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Do you call your physician by her/his first name?

Why or why not?

Posted - April 4, 2017

Responses


  • No, can't say that I have ever called any of my Doctors by their first name. Even though I've had the same primary care Doctor for years? I only call him "Doc". I don't think a first name basis is realistic for a professional. He calls me "Mr" and I call any of them "Doc". Never have been too chummy with Doctors so I won't go on a first name basis and they don't with me either.
      April 4, 2017 7:57 AM MDT
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  • 10993
    I'm the same way, but I've noticed that some doctors introduce themselves as 'Bob' or 'Lisa'.
      April 4, 2017 5:55 PM MDT
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  • 6124
    Yes.  I can't pronounce his last name.
      April 4, 2017 8:03 AM MDT
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  • 10993
    That's a pretty good reason!
      April 4, 2017 5:55 PM MDT
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  • 7683
    LOL;))
      April 4, 2017 11:34 PM MDT
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  • No, he's just a guy doing a job I pay him for. 
      April 4, 2017 8:08 AM MDT
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  • 10993
    Just like the guy who cuts your hair.
      April 4, 2017 5:56 PM MDT
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  • 17592
    Some of them are friends, so of course. 
      April 4, 2017 8:15 AM MDT
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  • 34239
    No, I have never called a Dr by their first name. Just does not seem respectful to me. Have called some by "Dr. Joe" instead of Dr Smith.  But always Dr., they have worked hard and earned the title.
      April 4, 2017 8:48 AM MDT
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  • 10993
    I agree.
      April 4, 2017 5:57 PM MDT
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  • 17592
    In that case you may call me Dr. Thrifty.  ;)
      April 6, 2017 11:53 AM MDT
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  • 34239
    Ok.  I shall try to remember Dr Thrifty.
      April 6, 2017 5:09 PM MDT
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  • Interesting question but I don't in that setting, out of respect for their position.
      April 4, 2017 9:08 AM MDT
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  • 10993
    Me too, but sometimes they introduce themselves with just a first name and it makes me a little uncomfortable. I don't know if I want 'Bob' diagnosing my chest pains.
      April 4, 2017 5:58 PM MDT
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  • I do not. I mean, she knows who I am and everything, but for the most part she hasn't seen me outside of occasional check-ups. We're not really on a first-name basis. 
      April 4, 2017 9:40 AM MDT
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  • 10993
    I like a little distance between me and the person who talks to me while I'm wearing a paper gown. This post was edited by Jane S at April 5, 2017 10:42 AM MDT
      April 4, 2017 5:59 PM MDT
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  • Usually prefixed by "Doctor", like Doctor Ron, and Doctor Jody. The only exception is Doctor Jekyll. Not sure what his problem is.
      April 4, 2017 9:42 AM MDT
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  • 11100
    No I call them doctor then there last name. They studied for many years to become doctors and they are always keeping up with new medical advancements so they deserve to be called doctor. Cheers!
      April 4, 2017 9:43 AM MDT
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  • 283
    i have called some Doctor____ and used the first name. After they have seen every inch of your body there is some familiarity there, but the hard earned title Doctor shows the respect and keeps it professional.  
      April 4, 2017 9:56 AM MDT
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  • 10993
    Exactly.
      April 4, 2017 6:03 PM MDT
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  • 44600
    Family doctor, yes. Orthopedic doctors, they don't display their first names. Pyschologist, yes...he said I could.
      April 4, 2017 10:16 AM MDT
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  • 10993
    I got to thinking about this because  my orthopedic surgeon calls me Ms. S----, but when he emailed my personal trainer about my exercise routines he signed it 'Greg'. 
      April 4, 2017 6:12 PM MDT
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  • 314
    Yes.  He's a neighbor, I know his wife, kids, in-laws.....
      April 4, 2017 10:24 AM MDT
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  • 10993
    Yes, that would be special circumstances.
      April 4, 2017 6:04 PM MDT
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