I was just wondering how many of us would have pursued or would continue to pursue a PhD if it didn't come with 'dr' at the end? Its just that I have been reading a thread on another forum where the participants thought it was snobby to list academic accolades. Just interested because I don't think I would have completed without it to be honest. Does that make me a terrible snob?

No, it doesn't Ann.

The whole process is a so frustrating and hard work that at the end there nust be a reward to keep you going. As it is not money it is the title indicating that you have achieved something which most other people have not. Thus the dr is your recognition and therefore you are not a snob if you are proud of it.

Totally agree with Rick. While I wouldn't have said it was the sole reason for doing the darn thing, it's a pretty good incentive to complete. I think also the fact that someone has completed a PhD says a lot about them as a person, rather than just their academic achievements. Aa well as intellect it requires persistence and determination, which are extremely valuable qualities in all walks of life. We go through tough times with a PhD, and I think the Dr. title serves as a reminder that triumph. And that certainly doesn't make someone a snob.

Thanks for that. I agree that the title certainly was not the reason for starting the PhD but it was a great carrot when things got tough.

Have you never thought that someone want to do Ph.D. just for the interest in his-her field? for that excited state that catch you after a discover or at the end of a good experiment? for the love of science? if you don't like what you will do in your Ph.D. my advice is - give up!

luigi, I am passionate about my subject and I have completed my PhD. However there are other ways to pursue a passion, the PhD route is just one. I was only considering that the title may be a great incentive for many of us if we are absolutely honest

Coming out of a hibernation of morbs over lack of funding.....

I have 5 qualifications and for one of them, I had to sit in on clinics where everyone was a 'Dr', I was just a 'Mrs', I didn't get the time of day. Even to the extent that I was asked to leave a clinic as an observer in favour of a 'Dr' as they could only have one in there. I can only assume, I was considered inferior as the only info they had on us was our title and name, despite me being equally or more qualified, in some respects. How I wished I was a 'Dr'. I am doing my PhD out of progression, passion and interest but, I can't wait to be called 'Dr' and get a bit more recognition of my abilities. So, for me, it is both a carrot and a passion and natural progression of career. I will wear my 'Dr' badge with pride (in appropriate circumstances, mind you ) And.. I don't care admitting it, I am too old to care

Will you actually use your 'Dr' title when you qualify tho? No one in my department uses it so I wonder if there is some modesty etiquette that means when you have it it is coolest to not actually use it! I was thinking I would probably use it when dealing with the 'outside world' eg. booking swish hotel rooms, flights and dealing with banks etc, rather than professionally... Would you all be out and proud Drs?!!

PS: I also think that as a woman it will be fantastic to be Dr and help get respect from snobs...

Hee hee I love this topic! I agree with Jayney that it is coolest not to use it in the lab world etc. However, my hubby-to-be has told me that he's going to start calling me 'The Doc' when/if I pass!! Also, as soon as I officially get my title, I will phone the bank, the gas company and possibly even Tesco Clubcard to let them know!

After almost having a mental breakdown to get the damn things I think we deserve to show it off :P

so glad to hear this!! As a woman i like not having to declare whether I am married, single or poss feminist with Ms, its great. I do agree with Jayney that there is a modesty etiquette but sometimes I don't want to be modest. I spent the whole of my PhD learning humility in so many ways, I think that PhD students suffer so much self doubt and criticism that the Dr title should be used whenever possible to rebuild much needed self esteem

this thread might discusses a similar topic: http://www.postgraduateforum.com/showmessage.asp?thread=6817&cat=4&keyword=title&newview=1&stype=TM&category=0

(where did that "might" come from? Ignore the "might" in that sentence )

Hooo! I can't wait to be a doctor... more for the fact that it means this whole thing is over (love my topic, but I could do without the rollercoaster ride!). I'm not sure how much I'll use it - certainly I would love to use it when booking flights and the like to see if I can get upgraded to business or first class, but a little afraid that if there is a medical emergency they'll assume I'm a medical doctor! My sister (who is a medical doctor) insists I shouldn't use the title as I'm not a 'real doctor' ;o) But I will use it at least where it's likely to help (certainly in my career), not where it hampers... can't wait!

its interesting what your medical doctor sister says - I don't know if I'm right and please correct me if I'm not, but I was told that medical doctors are allowed to use the title as a courtesy, but it is those who have contributed original knowledge who are the legitimate users ie PhD's

Hi Ann,

you are right. Obviously it is a bit strange that GP's, specialists etc. just are "given" (medicine is tough!) the title. However in some countries like Holland even a medical specialist can only call him/herself doctor if has done an MD or PhD.