IIRC the 'doctor' title is more attributable to PhD graduates if you take into account its historical use due to the nature of study and knowledge gained/contributed.

In these contemporary times though, in my humble opinion the 'doctor' title awarded to PhD graduates is far more relevant and appropriately 'applied' (for lack of a better word) in academic circles than in the community. Medical practitioners have more of a duty of care towards the community (and a more directly applicable qualification) and therefore the privilege of using "Dr" allows these individuals stand out from the crowd particularly in the event of a medical emergency. My colleagues and I are generally of the opinion that, as PhD graduates, the "Dr" title is not for everyday use except only for professional academic use.

In answering the original post - it wasn't the 'doctor' title that attracted me. Funnily enough it was being able to say I complete a PhD, or that I have a PhD in something. I didn't care so much about the 'Dr' thing! For eg on a business card I'd much rather have "RogueAcademic PhD" than "Dr RogueAcademic". Probably because 'Dr' these days is much more closely related to (or confused for) medical practitioners. That's not to say I might head down that path sometime in the future.

By the way, where I said that "My colleagues and I are generally of the opinion that...", I'm not saying that we've sat down and discussed it. I mean I've never seen them use their 'Dr' title anywhere else except where relevant in work-related circumstances (ie. not on their electricity bills, or library card, or cricket club membership).

Another thing - I know of a few IP lawyers whose expertise is evidenced by their PhD background in a scientific area, as well as a law degree. These lawyers do not seem to identify themselves as "Dr" in their formal business cards or letterheads for some reason, always something like: 'LLB PhD'. I'm wondering if it is because they want to avoid the impression that they are legal academics with a legal doctorate (as opposed to a science doctorate), and to emphasis their professional capacity as lawyers rather than scientists.

for me, i am only just starting to realize that if i manage to complete my PhD i will be a Dr.
this had no influence whatsoever on starting the course, and feels rather strange. it's been driven home now by some people i know who have just finished and by discussions here

imagining myself being Dr. shani... it feels weird. but good, too. i guess if i ever get to that point, i will use the title consciously - in some cases explicitly deciding to use it, in other situations, not to use it.

Hi there, what a great post! you are sooo right. seems to me that the title 'Dr' gives many persuing a PhD a need to be recognised and respected jut because they haven't spent 4 years on a vauxall production line.

At the end of the day, very few jobs demand a PhD- i don't knw the figures exactly but know absloutely that htere are far more PhD graduates then there are post doc positions in academia. My computer has goe really funny now (ribena in keyboard, seriously.I'll have to deal with the culprit)
best wished beacsue actually can't type anymore, it s just not wrkng

Hi there, what a great post! you are sooo right. seems to me that the title 'Dr' gives many persuing a PhD a need to be recognised and respected jut because they haven't spent 4 years on a vauxall production line.

At the end of the day, very few jobs demand a PhD- i don't knw the figures exactly but know absloutely that htere are far more PhD graduates then there are post doc positions in academia. My computer has goe really funny now (ribena in keyboard, seriously.I'll have to deal with the culprit)
best wished beacsue actually can't type anymore, it s just not wrkng

"seems to me that the title 'Dr' gives many persuing a PhD a need to be recognised and respected jut because they haven't spent 4 years on a vauxall production line."

If hard work were the tool by which to judge qualifications, 4 years on a production line (whether making motor cars or cream cakes) would be deserving of the title of Reader. (I'll reserve the title Prof. for yet worse occupations).

It is really funny!!! Consider that in Italy you are a DOCTOR after your Bachelor's Degree, after your Master Degree you are called MAGISTRAL DOCTOR or SPECIALISTIC DOCTOR!!!!!! If you are able to finish your Ph.D. project you do a backstep, you are again a DOCTOR!!!!!!!!! It seems taht in Italy everybody is a Doctor!!! i think this is a cheat towards the other European and the rest of the World! The problem is that the word Doctor, in Italy, was used with a strong courtesy meaning (in particular in the past) by poor people toward everyone was richer than you (ex. your boss)with the intent to obtain a favour,ex. a job... In this way the term Doctor continue to be used in the modern society without caring about the real meaning!!!