J Natl Med Assoc
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The title "Doctor" has an interesting and not commonly understood inception, and those entitled to use the accolade Doctor have had an interesting evolution. The title is now used by a plethora of individuals with a variety of skills and levels of achievement. ⋯ Physicians themselves contribute to the problem, as 40 percent refer to themselves as Doctor when asked to describe what they do for a living. Public education is recommended regarding the use of the title Doctor, and a distinction (the actual degree obtained) should be used whenever this term is used.