PhDs using Dr. title confuse patients

With more nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists pursuing doctorate degrees, some physicians are fighting back against their using the "doctor" title, reports The New York Times. For example, nurses are pursuing PhD degrees for administrative positions, but physicians with medical degrees worry that the doctor title will open the door for prescribing authority, according to the article. In addition, with the meaning of "doctor" changing, there could be confusion for patients.

"There is real concern that the use of the word 'doctor' will not be clear to patients," Dr. Roland Goertz, the board chairman of the American Academy of Family Physicians said. Some states including Arizona and Delaware ban nurses, pharmacists, and others from using the doctor title unless they identify their profession. Article