Thread by @innodim

On the subject of “Who is entitled to the title of ‘Doctor’?” regarding the WSJ hot mess article, I thought it important to offer a linguistic & historical perspective.
Bottomline, if we adopt the historical (& linguistic lens), PhDs are the the real “doctors”.

A thread 1/

“Doctor” comes from the latin “Docere” which means “To teach”. From the 1300s, It was donned on eminent scholars who have distinguished themselves after many years of learning and research to earn a doctorate so they could teach in Universities. 2/

It was around the 1600s that medical schools started according their graduates the title of “Doctor” after graduation from what is considered an undergraduate program in the hierarchy of university programs. 3/

They did this because of the prestige & respect embedded into the study of medicine. However, the medical degree is technically a professional degree and not a “doctorate” per se. Which is why to distinguish ourselves scientifically via research, we proceed to earn a PhD...4/

...after our MD, as a true terminal degree. So, yes, I am still Dr. Ijeoma Nnodim Opara, proud physician, clinician-educator, & assistant professor of Internal Medicine & Pediatric. 5/

Also, because my self-worth & identity is not wrapped up in my profession and because there is more than enough room at the table for all of us (#abundance), I am secure enough to accord my colleagues who are doctorates in their fields their well-earned respect by referring...6/

...to their historically & linguistically appropriate title of “Dr.”
It doesn’t take anything away from me for another person to shine in their brilliance. When each of us win, we all win.

#AbolishElitism
#KnowHistory
#Humility
#InterprofessionalCollaboration

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