HOME CURRENT ISSUE TABLE OF CONTENTS ARCHIVE SEARCH SUBSCRIPTIONS JOBS FEEDBACK HELP		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Mercer, R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Mercer, R.

Doctor, doctor

¹ 14 Radwinter Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3JB

SIR, - I had been a long-time opponent of changing titles for British veterinary surgeons, happy that, as a `surgeon', I was historically linked to an artisan training, and so `Mr' was appropriate.

Now, when I visit Europe and the USA, I am called Dr as a mark of respect to my qualifications and standing. My Italian assistant is Dr at home and changes, to the confusion of our clients, to Miss or Ms in practice here.

More importantly, we live in a world surrounded by paraveterinary experts all giving their own standards of advice to our clients. The title Dr would give status to the veterinary surgeon, especially at a time when the Royal College is encouraging the identification of quality and standards in practices.

It was interesting to note in the press that Hugh Phillips, when President of the Royal College of Surgeons, suggested calling surgeons Dr to avoid confusion among patients.

I would suggest that the time is ripe for change.

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Mercer, R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Mercer, R.