Dr., title of doctor

The title of doctor, abbreviated before a name as Dr. on first reference, is applied on the first instance of a person’s name who both holds a degree and license as a medical or osteopathic doctor, surgeon, optometrist, ophthalmologist, dental surgeon, or psychiatrist. It is written as Dr. Sue Fields, a cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Lukes Hospital, or Dr. Jamie Jones, a psychiatrist with 20 years of experience, on the first instance. In all subsequent uses, only the last name is used.

It does not apply to other academic, research or professional doctorates such as religious doctorates, juris doctorates, naturopathic doctorates, veterinary medicine, chiropractic doctorates, or doctorates in allied health fields including nursing.

Note: Please clarify with clinical psychologists and research psychologists that their degree is a PsyD or PhD, not MD or DO. Do not use the title of Dr. on first reference for a person who is a psychologist, whether a degree of PsyD or PhD. Instead, note their profession and if necessary their degree, clinical title, certification, or other necessary information. For example, Jo Johnson, a doctor of chiropractic practice, or Mary Metam, a tenured professor who holds doctorates in African American history and in literature.

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