Are you a "doc"?

[LeadTurn_SD]

I have noticed many "docs" on SB. What kind of doctor are you? Do you self-identify as a "doc" or "dr" on SB? Why, or why not?

As an aside, "Doctor," as a title, is originally an agentive noun of the verb docēre ('to teach'). It is used as a designation for a person who has obtained a doctorate-level degree. The first academic title of doctor was applied to scholars of law. The degree and title were not applied to scholars of other disciplines until the 13th century.

Most people don't know the meaning of "doctor" (as the OP observed, comes from "to teach) and is in my opinion the "highest duty" for all types of doctors, in or out of healthcare. Teaching is often lost in the modern healthcare system, but is the one thing that is often of the greatest lasting benefit to patients (teaching them how to improve health, avoid illness, etc).

And no, I don't "identify" myself on any boards, never when diving or other social settings; but once in a very great while while chime in with musculoskeletal advice if asked and if I think it will help "teach"

My wife and I are D.C.'s.

Best wishes.

 

[Trace Malinowski]

I'm sure we could make a list of those who should have the title of "Doc" in their user names - Doctrinaire.

 

[Cave Diver]

I'm sure we could make a list of those who should have the title of "Doc" in their user names - Doctrinaire.

Toolbar > Search > Search Members > "Doc" > Go

 

[SelkieDVM]

I am a veterinarian though I usually don't advertise myself as such in a non-professional setting. I find in social settings, when people find out you're a vet, they assume you'd love to have your time monopolized hearing about every little cute thing their (insert animal here) has done in it's entire life, or worse. I just added the degree to my user name because "Selkie" was already taken.

 

[Trace Malinowski]

Toolbar > Search > Search Members > "Doc" > Go

Doctrinaire - A person inflexibly attached to a practice or theory without regard to its practicality.

 

[Cave Diver]

Doctrinaire - A person inflexibly attached to a practice or theory without regard to its practicality.

Sorry, I skimmed through and missed the word "should." I thought you were asking if there was a way to compile a list of everyone who did have "doc" in some form in their username.

 

[fdog]

My business card says Ph.D., and so does my name tag at the fire department...but here, why bother? I'd rather be known for my contributions.


All the best, James

 

[piikki]

I find this topic intriguing. Coming from different culture I sometimes suffer from adjustment issues here. Couple of weeks ago I had a dinner with very distinguished older American gentleman who I found very refreshing. At one point during our discussion, he turned to me and said: “I apologize in advance as I realize this is such an intrusive - or even rather rude - American custom to ask people right away what they do for work. I assure you I am not asking just to measure you up but because I am just so very curious about you.”

I was surprised, pleasantly. I find it odd, particularly odd when so called highly educated people keep on emphasizing their ‘credentials’ in contexts that have nothing to do with those credentials or work in general. In my culture, someone bringing up that they are eg doctors on free time or hobbies, constantly referring to their training or work experience etc would be considered off-putting, attention-seeking and generally socially awkward.

I am sure mentioning this will indeed be very off-putting to some but I thought I bring it up because it’s probably something someone out there never thought of.

 

[Brian Sharpe]

I was surprised, pleasantly. I find it odd, particularly odd when so called highly educated people keep on emphasizing their ‘credentials’ in contexts that have nothing to do with those credentials or work in general. In my culture, someone bringing up that they are eg doctors on free time or hobbies, constantly referring to their training or work experience etc would be considered off-putting, attention-seeking and generally socially awkward.

People sometimes confuse what they do with who they are.

 

[idocsteve]

My business card says Ph.D., and so does my name tag at the fire department...but here, why bother? I'd rather be known for my contributions.


All the best, James

Because if you're at a standoff in a debate on an internet forum and neither side is budging and you can't tell who is right, the one with "doc" in their name gets the win.