| May I Use Professor Dr. (Name)?
Dear Mr. Hickey,
In Europe, university professors use the honorific Prof., or Prof. Dr., in (semi-) formal social context.
Is it ever acceptable for Americans to do so in the US? It might be valuable to distinguish oneself from a medical doctor.
Thank you,
David Uslan, PhD
Associate Professor of Astronomy
University of (State)
Dear Dr. Uslan,
In the UK they have a tradition of using every honorific, courtesy title, and rank one is entitled to. Their name is their resume ... their curriculum vitae.
So, you see names written ... as you note:
Professor Dr. David Uslan
You even see:
His Excellency the Reverend Captain Sir David Uslan, PhD
The Germans do it too: Ambassador Professor David Uslan, General Dr. David Uslan etc.
In the US we have a simplified tradition of just using the one honorific, courtesy title, or rank -- usually choosing the one that is pertinent or is the preference of the bearer. For example the former US Senator from Tennessee, Bill Frist, was an MD and a US Senator. He preferred to be Dr. Frist to Senator Frist, but was never Senator Dr. Frist.
In your case I'd say that traditionally you would be
Professor Uslan -or- Dr. Uslan in the classroom.
David Uslan, PhD on a letter mailed to your office (post-nominals with official correspondence)
or
Dr. David Uslan on a holiday card mailed to your home (honorific with social correspondence).
I had another Q&A that was similar, FYI.
-- Robert Hickey
Do I Introduce a Doctor as Dr. (Name)?
Does one introduce a doctor with the honorific “Dr.” in social situations? When is it appropriate and inappropriate to do so?
-- Amy K. in Montreal
Dear Amy K.:
I wouldn't introduce a doctor as Dr. (Name) in a social introduction.
The best form is to give first and last names in an introduction -- so both parties get complete information.
It is also considerate to let both know what to call the other. So saying something like one of the following in a social situation seems good to me ...
1. Michael Updike I would like to introduce Kevin Cox. Michael is a radiologist here in Montreal. Kevin is my neighbor and teaches Canadian history at McGill.
This gets them started using first names.
Or consider this option:
2. Michael Updike I would like to introduce to you Kevin Cox. Dr. Updike is a radiologist here in Montreal. Dr. Cox is my neighbor and teaches Canadian history at McGill.
This gets them started with the more formal terms.
-- Robert Hickey
How to Address a University President?
I have been asked to translate a letter for my university in Germany celebrating its 40th anniversary. This letter invites non-German university presidents to attend the celebration. In very formal German our university president (rector) is addressed as Magnifizenz (His magnificence). This seems to be a bit over the top in the more relaxed Anglo-American academic world. How to I address a US university president? I would welcome any suggestion, and should my request be of interest to others, please publish it!
-- Hans Schroeder, Bielefeld, Germany
Dear Mr. Schroeder:
On the assumption that all university presidents hold a doctorate, on the envelope and address block on the letter use:
Dr. (Full Name)
President
Name of University
(Address)
The salutation could be: Dear President Schroeder:
I have a friend who is president of a college in North Carolina and I can't wait to tell her that if she were in Germany she'd be Her Magnificence. She will flip!
-- Robert Hickey
How to Address a Retired Professor?
How do you address a retired professor?
-- Kathy
Dear Kathy:
If the professor holds a doctorate and has the personal rank of "Dr." ... he or she is formally addressed in writing as Dr. (Full Name) for the rest of his or her life. If he or she holds a lower degree than doctorate, then he or she would be addressed as Mr./Ms. (Full Name).
"Professor" is an honorific used with instructors in and around campus. Its use as an honorific is situational. Continuing to orally address a retired professor as Professor (Name) acknowledges your continued hierarchical / deferential relationship. There are graded ranks of professor .... "Professor" "Associate Professor" "Assistant Professor" etc. Even though an individual may hold one of these "graded ranks" all can be addressed (as a courtesy) as ... "Professor (name)" in conversation.
-- Robert Hickey
How to Use an Academic Degree with a Military Rank?
I am wondering the proper way to format a military rank and academic degree on a resume. In question is a gentleman, "John Smith," who is a Captain in the USMC Reserves (active duty) who holds a masters degree in HR Management (M.HRM). Thank you for your assistance.
-- GB in Career Counseling
Dear GB:
No sort of post nominal ... professional, academic, religious .. is ever used with a U.S. military rank.
He is most formally Captain John Smith, USMCR ... nothing more.
You will have to note that he holds a Masters in Human Resources Management from (?) University in some way other than with an academic post-nominal abbreviation. Perhaps in a section on education? Or in a sentence describing his achievements?
-- Robert Hickey
How to Address a Retired Dentist?
I would like to know when addressing a card to a retired dentist and his wife, how should the envelope be addressed?
Dr. & Mrs. John Smith or Mr. & Mrs. John Smith.
-- Cari Winters
Dear Ms. Winters:
It is absolutely ...
Dr. and Mrs. John Smith
(Address)
Doctors continue to use their "Dr." as an honorific forever.
-- Robert Hickey
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| Do I Use My Medical Degree's Initials on My Checks?
Dear Mr. Hickey:
How should my name appear on my checks "Dr. Cynthia Brodart" or "Cynthia Brodart, M.D." ?
--- Cynthia Brodart
Dear Dr. Brodart:
On your checks use "Cynthia Brodart, M.D."
One never gives oneself an honorific, so don't list yourself as "Dr. Cynthia Brodart". Others address me as "Mr. Hickey" but I don't introduce myself by "Hello, I am Mr. Hickey."
That said, sometimes medical doctors do identify themselves as "Dr. (surname)" in medical situations so the patient is certain that he or she is a physician and not a technician in a white coat. It comforting to us patients sitting in a backless gown to know you are the physician when you enter the exam room!
-- Robert Hickey
How to Address a Retired Officer Who Is A Professor?
Dear Mr. Hickey:
Would you by any chance know the proper form of address for a USN Captain who is now a university professor with a PhD? I read the note on your website regarding context (Captain when he's my commanding officer, Doctor when he's bandaging my foot, or something to that effect), but I wonder what would be suitable with an academic doctor, and in a more formal usage. I've encountered "Captain Doctor [name]" once or twice on the Internet, but it seems a bit of a mouthful.
--- P. L. Scott
Dear Mr. Scott:
In the United States:
1) We only use just one honorific at a time. So he would be "Captain (name)," "Dr. (name)," or "Professor (name)."
2) If he's a retired Captain he probably prefers to be orally addressed as Captain (name). In writing use Captain (full name), USN, Retired, Professor of Mathematics
3) Military ranks are never used with academic degrees, so he'd never be "Captain (full name), PhD" . I cover this on page 99 in my book
4) He's probably never "Dr. (name)."
All this said, it's never inconsiderate to ask what he prefers! Ultimately it is his preference in which you are most interested.
-- Robert Hickey
How to Address a Retired Officer Who is A Dean?
Hi Robert,
How would I address an envelope to a captain retired from the US Navy, who now is the dean of a college?
--- O.S.
Dear O.S.:
It depends on what he likes to be called. If you find he likes to be addressed as "Captain (name)" at the college ... then address him (see page 217 in my book) as:
Captain (full name), USN, Retired
Dean of (name of school, college, etc.)
(Name of College/University)
(Address)
If you find he prefers to be addressed as "Dr. (name)" at the college ... then in writing I would address him as:
(Full name), (Post-nominal abbreviation for his degree)
Dean of (name of school, college, etc.)
(Name of College/University)
(Address)
"Dean (full name)" is a more informal form of address -- use it to address him orally. Call him "Dean (name)" in interactions with him as a dean. Both Captain (name) or (Name), (degrees) are more formal forms to use in writing.
The final determination in every form of address is "what is the preference of the bearer" so in this case: What is the preference of this particular dean? In a conversation with a British protocol expert familiar with all the titles and honors you encounter in London, he said people are never offended if you acknowledge too many of their honors -- but may be if you acknowledge too few!
-- Robert Hickey
What is the Correct Order of Post-Nominal Abbreviations?
I have recently earned my PhD. I have a professional engineering registration designated as PE. I am also a fellow of an engineering organization F-SWE.
What is the correct order for these different types of identifiers? Also, what are the circumstances to use any or all of them? If you are not the appropriate source for this information, can you suggest where or how I might find the answers. I have asked all three institutions and none of them have a clue, but all would like for their initials to be most prominent of the set!
--- PE, PhD, F-SWE
Dear PE, PhD, F-SWE:
I cover this on page 100. The insider's name for these professional identifiers is "post-nominal Initials" or "post-nominal abbreviations". The standard order for post-nominals is:
1) Religious orders
2) Theological degrees
3) Academic degrees
4) Honorary degrees, honors, decorations
5) Professional affiliations
Lastly ... If you have multiple post-nominals within one or more of those categories, most people would list them in alphabetical order.
So taking those points into consideration ... PhD, PE, F-SWE .... seems the best to me.
The guidelines on "use" of post-nominals are:
* Only used with a full name
* PhD is used in professionally in academia and research mostly. Less often outside those areas.
* Affiliations are used when appropriate and pertinent, like in official correspondence, on your business card, or in an professional publication.
* None are ever used socially
-- Robert Hickey
How to Address a Dean?
I need to write a thank-you card to the following person and do not know how to address him. His business card reads,
Gordon D. Palmer, Ph.D.
Dean
College of Hospitality & Tourism Management
blah, blah, blah,
Do I address the card as
1. Dear Dr. Palmer,
2. Dear Dean Palmer,
... or something entirely different? Thank you in advance,
-- Charlie in Toronto
Dear Charlie:
The quick answer is ... use "Dr." -- Ph.D.'s in academia will use the honorific "Dr." professionally and socially.
The long answer is ... you said it's a "thank-you card" so I am going to call it social. Even if it's a professional relationship, a "thank you" is basically personal. I suggest you address the envelope:
Dr. Gordon Palmer
(Address) (home or office address is O.K.)
And for the salutation use:
Dear Dr. Palmer,
You could certainly use the salutation:
Dear Dean Palmer,
My first job was at a university, and when deans were in the dean's office or when acting as a dean -- they were "dean" and in the class room or just themselves -- the were "Dr."
I would orally address him as "Dean Palmer" in conversation with him in his official role as a dean. The American tradition is to address someone as they are to you at that moment: A Captain in the United States Navy who is also a doctor could be addressed as "Captain (name)" when he is your commanding officer, and "Dr. (name)" when he is examining your foot.
You can also refer to the "How to Address an Academic Dean" page on the site.
While I think addressing the note correctly is important, the first priority with a thank-you note is get that card mailed with 24 hours! Whenever he get's it, it will be appreciated, but it makes the most impact when it arrives promptly.
-- Robert Hickey
Can I Call Myself a "Dr." with my PhD?
I hold a DMA, Doctorate in Music from a Boston university, and am a Church Music Director. Please could you advise me as to whether it is acceptable for the church where I work to list me in the service bulletins as: Dr. (first name) + (last name) ?
-- CJ a Music Director at Church
Dear CJ:
Academic doctorates are frequently used professionally: Faculty members with a PhD are usually "Dr. (name)" at the university or when speaking in the context of their degree. Scientists with a PhD are typically "Dr. (name)" at the research lab and at professional conferences.
Socially? Usually academics and researchers use "Dr." socially. But ultimately whether a particular PhD holder is "Dr." socially ... especially outside of academia or research ... is at the preference of the bearer.
List yourself in the bulletin using the professional form ... which is "(First name) + (Last name), DMA" It specifically acknowledges your academic credential in your professional domain.
It however doesn't specify if you prefer to be addressed orally as "Dr. (name)" or "Ms. (name)." In my book (page 160) I show that outside academia or research in oral address "Ms. (name)" would be the default, but advises one check preference of the person you are addressing.
-- Robert Hickey
How Do I Address a Nurse Practitioner?
Dear Mr. Hickey:
How would you address a nurse practitioner in writing? John Doe, N.P.? Mr. John Doe, N.P.?
--- Fred Bullard
Dear Mr. Bullard:
You never use both an honorific ... Mr. ... and a post-nominal ... N.P.
John Doe, N.P. is the for official correspondence ... on a envelope, or letter ... to his office
Mr. John Doe is for social correspondence .... personal letter or card ... to his home.
-- Robert Hickey
How Do I List a Judge on an Invitation?
Dear Mr. Hickey:
On a wedding announcement, how should I write the name of the judge who officiates at the wedding ceremony? Should he be referred to as The Honorable So-and-So or Judge So-and-So?
--- Elizabeth Levinson
Dear Ms. Levinson:
Refer to the judge as The Honorable (full name) in writing.
Call him or her Judge (name) in conversation, on a place card, and in an introduction to other guests.
-- Robert Hickey
How to Use "Esq." With Other Post Nominals?
Dear Mr. Hickey
What is the correct order of professional post-nominal abbreviations if one of the identifiers is Esq.?
The others are as follows: CFS, CHS-III, CIG, CPM.
-- Melena Brodsky
Dear Ms. Brodsky
In the US, an attorney will have a post-graduate legal degree ... and academic degrees outrank and precede honors, decorations, and certifications.
But Esq. is not an acronym for an academic degree, so doesn't exactly fit in with the other post nominals. I think it's awkward in the mix. How about not using Esq. ... and use JD in this mix of post-nominal abbreviations for degrees and certifications? That would be:
Melena Brodsky, JD, CSF, CHS-III, CIG, CPM
-- Robert Hickey
How to Address a Retired Officer Who Has a Doctorate?
How does one, in written form, address a retired BGen (USAF) who has his PhD? He goes by “Dr. Taylor” now that he is retired, but management also wants to acknowledge his service as well as his degree.
BGen Henry Taylor, PhD, USAF (Ret)?
BGen Henry Taylor, USAF (Ret), PhD?
Dr. Henry Taylor, BGen, USAF (Ret)?
Thank you,
--- Bill Montgomery
Dear Mr. Montgomery:
Three part answer:
You say he 'goes by Dr. Taylor now. When retired officers represent private companies to the armed services ... they frequently skip using their rank when dealing with active-duty officers. So in spite of management's desire to bring his former rank into the picture, I'd get back to management that the best course is to follow his preference, but it would be appropriate introduce him as "May I introduce Dr. Henry Taylor. Dr. Taylor is a retired United States Air Force Brigadier General."
Now on to the details:
#1 There is an American tradition that we only give a person one title at time.
** If he prefers to be continued to be addressed as a Brigadier General
then use the form I have on Brigadier General
** if he prefers now to be addressed as a Doctor
use the form I have on Doctorate
I say "American tradition" because the "British tradition" is to give a person EVERYTHING they would ever get ... so you see names like The Right Honourable Reverend Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Lord William Ramsey, MP, VC .... But in the US we address a person with the one "honorific" or "courtesy title" that's appropriate to the situation .... who they are to us at the moment.
#2 Regarding you use of abbreviations: "BGen" is the DOD service-specific abbreviation used by Marine Brigadier Generals. The DOD service-specific abbreviation for USAF Brigadier Generals is "Brig Gen"
#3 You see "Retired" noted many ways ... but use EITHER of the following ... to (Ret)
Brig Gen Henry Taylor, USAF, Ret.
Brig Gen Henry Taylor, USAF, Retired
For future use of abbreviations, my books has all that. It answers your questions on page 94 (use of retired with retired officers) and page 97 (DOD USAF abbreviations).
-- Robert Hickey
When to Use Post Nominals for a Master's Degree?
Are people who have earned Masters degrees in post-graduate school 'entitled' to put that designation behind their names? I am used to seeing PhD, but when I see MBA it makes me wonder?
-- Marcia Milburn, Beltsville, Maryland
Dear Ms. Milburn:
Holders of a master degree working in academia or research use their post-nominal abbreviations for their degrees because the degrees are part of the fabric of the institution’s hierarchy.
Holders of a master degree that is essential to their professional practice do too.
Some examples include:
* On an academic paper, an author would put the post nominals for his or her degree after their name, e.g. B.A., B.S., or M.A.
* An administrator at a scientific research facility with a Masters might include those post nominals on his or her card: degrees are pertinent at the institution.
* A psychotherapist will include the post nominals for their degree (e.g., MSW for Master of Social Work) since it defines their credentials to be a counselor, their eligibility for insurance reimbursement, and clarifies their training from those with a "Master of Counseling" or a "Doctorate in Psychology."
Other than those circumstances, noting one’s masters (or bachelors) is infrequent. A degree that does not certify you to a specific profession is rarely used.
Contrast that to including the post nominal JD (a degree) ... or CPA (a professional certification) – which both are used all the time and denote one’s qualifications to do a certain task.
-- Robert Hickey
How Do I Know if a PhD Should Be Addressed as "Dr."?
May I ask question regarding those with PhDs? Would you please clarify for me - if a person holds a PhD - should Doctor be used in front of his name? I apologize if these questions are answered in your book! I'll try to get it.
-- Mac Bozman, Council Bluffs
Dear Mr. Bozman:
This 'doctor' question comes up often.
Holders of medical doctorates (medical, osteopaths, dentists, podiatrist, vets...) use Dr. (Name) professionally and socially.
Holders of academic doctorates in academia and research usually do too.
Holders of academic doctorates outside of academia and research ... in corporate and business ... usually don't. E.g., every lawyer now-a-days is a JD ... doctor of jurisprudence, but none use Dr. ... and a holder of a doctorate in finance at a bank probably doesn't either.
So the good news is that if it's a doctor and if he works at a college or in scientific research ... you can address him as Dr. (Name) safely.
And the bad news is with PhD's outside those arenas ... you will need to call to see what his or her preference is.
The key is "the preference of the bearer" .... it's not up to me or you to decide when or if someone with a PhD is addressed as Dr. If that's what he or she want's I will go along with it. A person's name belongs to them.
-- Robert Hickey
Who Uses "Dr." In a Health Care Setting?
We have been having great debate about the use honorifics and credentials in our health care setting. The current practice is to only use honorifics and credentials when referring to physicians. Therefore, announcements and communications (internal and external) read Dr. William Smith and Julie Brown. In some instances, Julie Brown may have a doctorate, such as a PhD, DPT, PharmD.
Physicians get an honorific but no one else get's an honorific (Dr., Mr., Mrs., and/or Ms.). The same is true if you use MD at the end of the name -- physicians get post nominals ... others don't. Shouldn't all the degrees be acknowledged in the same fashion? Do you have any guidance?
-- Cody Burnett, Holland Michigan
Dear Mr. Burnett:
A couple of issues here:
RE: Who Gets Their Post Nominals?
Official correspondence often includes post-nominal for a degree that is a requirement for the position. So regarding your the hospital's newsletter, It seems reasonable that post nominals would be included when pertinent. E.g., in a story about a pharmacist and his professional activities -- it would seem reasonable to include post nominals: David Smith, PharmD.
RE: Who Get's to Be Addressed as "Dr."?
At universities and research facilities holders of non-medical doctorates use Dr. as an honorific all the time. But there, there are no patients needing quite the same level of clarity as to who is and who is not a physician / doctor.
I'd say your rule that Dr. is only used for physicians is a benefit to customers/clients/patients. It's functionally informative that while waiting to see the doctor -- physicians are the only ones around the hospital getting the honorific .... and being referred to as doctor.
-- Robert Hickey
How to Use “Dr.” or "PhD" on an Invitation?
Would you please clarify for me, if a person holds a PhD, should his or her name be Doctor (name) a wedding invitation? Or (Name), PhD ? Is this true for the father of the bride? The groom? Is the rule for names on wedding invitations and wedding envelopes different that the guidelines for social correspondence?
-- Beverly Russell, Winchester, Virginia
Dear Ms. Russell:
Wedding invitations and their envelopes are social correspondence, and follow the standard rules for social correspondence. One rule is ... post-nominals aren't used on social correspondence.
Holders of academic doctorates working in academia and research usually prefer to be addressed as Dr. (name) socially.
Holders of academic doctorates working outside of academia and research ... in corporate and business ... usually don't. E.g., holder of a doctorate in finance who works at a bank probably doesn't request to be addressed Dr. (name). An attorney with a doctor in jurisprudence won’t insist on being addressed as Dr. (name).
But guessing won’t get you the right answer.
The key for PhD’s is to find the the preference of the bearer. It's not up to either of us to decide if someone with a PhD is or is not addressed as Dr. (name). If that's what he or she prefers I will go along with it. A person's name belongs to them.
-- Robert Hickey
How to Address a Retired Physician?
My friend who was a physician but involved in a car accident and no longer practices due to his injuries is now retired. He no longer has a state license. He is now beginning a Life Coach career and would like to know if he can still be addressed by Dr. in his title in regards to writing his name, or, does he just put MD after his name.
--- Linda Whedbee
Dear Ms. Whedbee:
He will be addressed as Dr. ... forever ... in practice, retired, consulting, or coaching.
Dr. William Smith (oral address or social form of address)
or
William Smith, MD (traditional form used when addressing a letter to a physician at their office)
-- Robert Hickey
May I Use Post-Nominal Initials Before Graduation?
I recently completed the requirements for an MBA. Graduation is in December - but when can I use the letters MBA on my resume or when I speak at conferences? Is it now that the program is done or do I have to wait until I have the diploma in hand?
-- Proud About-to-be Grad
Dear Future Grad:
There isn’t a police force hunting down advance post-nominal users, but wait until you receive your diploma.
Until then you are nominated for the degree, but have not received it.
You can definitely say in your biography or on your resume that you will be receiving your Master of Business Administration from (name of university) in December, (year).
-- Robert Hickey
Do You Ever Sign Your Name as "Dr. (Name)"?
Increasingly in this country (UK) people with PhDs are signing themselves in their correspondence (such as in e-mail) as Dr (Name). I have always thought that it was bad form to present yourself your title (even Mr). Shouldn't people use (Name), PhD and NOT Dr (Name)? Is there is a difference in practice between US and UK? (By the way, I have a PhD.)
-- Geoff In London Dear Geoff in London:
You should not sign your name with the honorific: sign just (full name) or (full name)+(postnominals).
-- Robert Hickey
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