At work I am Dr Scaredeycat, but I never use the term on other occasions. Too often it seems like an open invitation to tradesman and others to jack up their prices.
Must say I can't stand the practice of more junior staff when they introduce themselves to patients. "Hi, I'm John, and I'm one of the doctors". It sounds so unprofessional. My other hobby horse is dress standards - doctors no longer wear ties and even long sleeves have become verboten (infection risk). The world has gone mad!
Interesting comment!
I think junior doctors should introduce themselves by whatever permutation of title and name they prefer, along with an explanation of whether they are an intern or house officer or registrar - for patients who know the system, it can explain what level they are and allow a little leeway in expectations.
As a consultant, I still introduce myself with my first name, and add that I am the consultant surgeon. Or my registrar will introduce me as "Dr Artemis, and she's the consultant". I do have registrars that call me Boss, which makes me want to giggle every time!
In my previous career, as a military officer, Ma'am was routine, or Boss. From my soldiers obviously, and then first name from my superiors (unless I was in trouble, in which case I was often addressed in a loud voice coupled with a few profanities!
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Like previously stated, I'd prefer my first name to be used. It's a unique one, and therefore I'm very easily identifiable by just one name. I tend to ask people to use my first name, after they've addressed me as Dr/Ms/Miss...
The corollary is that I address all my patients by First Name/Last name when calling them, and wait for them to indicate how they'd like to be addressed. I'm still younger than most of them (and predominantly men), but given the nature of my specialty, it generally all reverts to first name basis.
I do prefer Dr - to avoid the marital status issue (the diamonds generally attest to my status). And I haven't changed my name, so Mrs Artemis isn't really correct. And I have fortunately had to assist in a medical emergency once. In which I took one look at the patient, swore, and told the CSM to tell the pilot to return (we hadn't even levelled out) since I wasn't keen on flying across the ditch with a dead body - the patient/passenger looked very unwell! I never did find out what happened to that patient.
And as for dress sense - I don't wear ties (or the college scarf) and I wear whatever I like below the elbows and wash my hands profusely!
