How to address a surgeon.

[Capt Lightning]

In conversation yesterday, a friend talked about seeing a surgeon, Mr. Smith. This led us to wonder why surgeons were always Mr (Mrs etc) not Dr. I don't know about other countries, but in the UK, surgeons are always referred to as Mr. (or Mrs. Ms. etc.)

It seems that historically, a doctor had to possess a university degree in medicine, while a surgeon served an apprenticeship followed by an exam. On passing they would be awarded a diploma, but since they didn't have a medical degree, they couldn't call themselves Dr.

Today, medical students would qualify as doctors before specialising in surgery, so would be Dr before becoming a Mr. Mrs etc.

 

[Trila]

In conversation yesterday, a friend talked about seeing a surgeon, Mr. Smith. This led us to wonder why surgeons were always Mr (Mrs etc) not Dr. I don't know about other countries, but in the UK, surgeons are always referred to as Mr. (or Mrs. Ms. etc.)

It seems that historically, a doctor had to possess a university degree in medicine, while a surgeon served an apprenticeship followed by an exam. On passing they would be awarded a diploma, but since they didn't have a medical degree, they couldn't call themselves Dr.

Today, medical students would qualify as doctors before specialising in surgery, so would be Dr before becoming a Mr. Mrs etc.

Before I retired, I worked in a hospital, for 20 years.

Here in the US, anyone who has a medical degree is addressed as Doctor.

 

[Alligatorob]

I call them by first name, if I know it.

 

[Capt Lightning]

It's generally believed here that being a surgeon and therefore called Mr, Mrs etc.. confers status on the holder...

A doctor died and while chatting to St. Peter at the pearly gates, a man wearing scrubs and driving a Ferrari raced past.
The doctor asked who that was and St Peter said, Oh that's God. He likes to think he's a surgeon.