Surgical Titles Unveiled: Mister vs. Doctor in the UK

Introduction: “Why are surgeons in the United Kingdom addressed as Mister/Miss, not Doctor?” This unique quirk in addressing medical professionals has intrigued many. In most parts of the world, all medical practitioners, including surgeons, are commonly referred to as “Doctor.” However, the UK holds to the tradition of using “Mister/Miss” for surgeons. In this exploration, we delve into the historical roots shaping this nomenclature.

Subtitle: “Navigating the Surgical Etiquette Landscape”

The Historical Distinction: Dating back to medieval times, physicians pursued formal university training for a medical degree, granting them the title “Doctor.” Surgeons, however, underwent a different path until the mid-19th century. Their training involved apprenticeship rather than university education, leading to examinations conducted by surgical bodies like the Company of Surgeons and later the Royal College of Surgeons.

The Mr. Title Tradition: Unlike physicians, surgeons did not hold a university degree, only a diploma from their examinations. Consequently, they could not adopt the title “Doctor.” Instead, they retained the courtesy title of “Mister” or “Miss” following their successful examinations. This tradition persisted in London and extended to major cities.

Dual Phases of Medical Training: Contemporary medical practitioners, both physicians and surgeons, now undergo formal university education, earning a qualified degree as “Doctor” upon graduation. Post-graduation involves further specialized training before achieving the status of a full consultant, often marked by obtaining fellowship or membership diplomas.

The Mister Returns: Interestingly, after completing their postgraduate training, doctors often revert to using “Mister/Miss” as a courtesy title, a tradition that reflects the journey from apprentice to qualified consultant. This cyclical transition from Mister/Miss to Doctor and back signifies the various stages of a surgeon’s professional development.

The Modern Landscape: Today, the tradition of addressing surgeons as Mister/Miss adds a unique layer to the rich tapestry of medical history. It serves as a reminder of the diverse paths that medical professionals have traversed and the continued evolution of the field.

Conclusion: The practice of addressing surgeons as Mister/Miss in the UK echoes a historical narrative that has shaped the professional identity of these practitioners. As we decode the layers of tradition, it becomes clear that titles are not merely honorifics but symbols of a surgeon’s journey, from apprenticeship to expertise, adding a distinctive charm to the world of medicine in the United Kingdom.

Resources : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/3282839/