William Bergquist, Ph.D. and R. James Little, Psy.D.
The term “Doctor” has a long and interesting history. The term “doctor” stems from the Latin word “docere,” meaning to “teach.” The title “doctor” was first used in Europe during the Middle Ages to identify distinguished scholars at universities who were qualified to teach others in their field of study. These scholars were given considerable respect and prestige. Before the 15th century, the titles Doctor, Masters and Professor were used interchangeably. However, by the end of the 15th century, the title Master was used for those in lower faculties (e.g. Arts), while Doctor was used only for those in higher faculties (Law, Theology and Medicine). Medical practitioners only began being addressed as “doctor” by medical schools in the 17th century due to the growing respect for medical training grew in the 17th century. By the 1940s, doctorates expanded beyond Law, Medicine and Theology and the term came to be applied to advanced degrees in all disciplines.
While the term “Doctor” was safeguarded in the universities and among professionals in many fields, it has been widely used in a very casual manner. It has primarily been used to bestow honor on someone. This term is even used in this more informal, “honorific” way in contemporary universities. An “honorary doctorate” is bestowed on people who have accomplished something of importance or made a major donation to this educational institution. While people who have been awarded a formal, academically earned doctorate, gain status from this award, most recipients of “honorary doctorates” need not make use of the term “doctor” to elevate their social status, since they are usually already accomplished and often powerful and wealthy.
In our present world (especially in the United States), there is a unique use of the term “doctor” in professional sports. It has been assigned to exceptionally gifted players (e.g. “Dr. J”), coaches (e.g. “Doc Rivers”) and even sports commentators (e.g. “Dr. Jack Ramsey”). While some of these members of the professional coaching community might have earned doctorates (usually Ed.D. in sports education), the term “Doc or Dr.” has often been assigned to them to recognize their distinctive accomplishments – and even elevate social status in sports.
While there has been the informal designation of “Doctor” to those with wealth, influence, or athletic skills, there has been a move toward greater restriction in using this term in most countries over the past two centuries. The term “Doctor” is now likely to permanently elevate the social status of members of a society who have earned this degree at a “legitimate” academic institution. Thus, with the term “doctor” being heavily regulated, restrictions– and taken quite “seriously”—there are important implications regarding the use of this term–especially for how someone with a “doctorate” in certain fields can “treat” their patients or clients.
