Use of Academic Titles as Prefixes to Names is Erroneous and May be Illegal

Doctor of Philosophy is a general degree for any subject earned through research and presentation of a thesis. A doctorate is usually regarded as a higher degree than a bachelor's degree (such as B.A. or B.Sc) and a Magister (Master’s) degree (such as M.Com.  M.B.A. or M.Sc.) Universities may award doctorates to people who have done a lot in their fields of study: these are called honorary doctorates. There is no set rule for this. Very often, these are abbreviated "Doctor h.c." (for "honoris causa").

In the higher education space, common job titles in a hierarchy are Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor. They are designations and not distinctions. Use of job title as a prefix to the name is not proper, except in the military.

Article 18 of the Constitution talks about abolition of titles: “No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the State. No states can officially issue titles.”

There is a Supreme Court ruling which prohibits even the use of “Padma Shri” as a prefix to the recipient’s name under Article 18. One can only use “Padma Shri awardee” or “recipient of Padma Shri” as a prefix to the name.

Use of Dr or Doctor as a prefix to a name should be limited to only the medical doctors. Medical doctors examine, diagnose and treat patients. Becoming a medical doctor requires a doctoral degree in medicine and participating in clinical training. Medical doctors need a licence, and certification and serve public at large.

An academic Doctor using the title onboard a flight manifest serves no useful purpose to any co-passenger on board while a medical doctor using the title onboard the same flight projects expertise which may come in handy to the crew in case of any medical emergency.

Use of titles like Dr. (Doctor) and Prof. (Professor) should be confined to interactions between and within the academic community and inside the academic campuses. Using such titles is neither appropriate nor legal outside the academic space. 

In September 2018, Elizabeth Jensen, the ombudsman/public editor for National Public Radio in the US had explained why the news organization did not confer “Doctor” on PhDs; it reserved the title for “individuals who hold a doctor of dental surgery, medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine or veterinary medicine.” This news organization's reason for the distinction is “that for most listeners, a ‘Dr.’ practices medicine.” As it turns out, this practice is followed by many journalistic outlets, including Scientific American, because it is the standard laid out by The Associated Press Stylebook. The New York Times is one of few news outlets that does not abide by this guidance.

For those unfamiliar with the Style-book, it’s “an English grammar style and usage guide created by American journalists working for or connected with the Associated Press over the last century to standardize mass communications.”  It serves as a guide and resource to journalists; and many news organizations follow its recommendations by choice.

Using the title and name: Dr. (First Name) (Last Name) fails to differentiate between the holder of a philosophical doctorate and a professional medical doctor? It is more appropriate for a PhD holder to have the title and name expressed as (First Name) (Last Name), PhD and the usage of the expression Dr. (First Name) (Last Name) must be restricted for use by medical doctors.

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