Isn't it strange that a medical doctor who has spent years practising medicine and undergone additional specialist training to become a surgeon is addressed as Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms. instead of Doctor?
That was exactly how I felt when I first heard an interviewer address one of Ghana's most experienced and highly respected surgeons as Mr. rather than Dr. I immediately wondered whether he was not a professionally trained surgeon, assuming that only someone who wasn't a medical doctor would be called Mr. As it turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
The reason behind this unusual tradition is rooted in history rather than qualification, and it has become one of the most fascinating customs in the medical profession.
The Origins of the Tradition
The custom dates back several centuries in the United Kingdom.
During the Middle Ages and into the 18th century, there was a clear distinction between physicians and surgeons.
- Physicians were university-educated professionals who studied medicine and earned the title Doctor (Dr.).
- Surgeons, by contrast, were trained through apprenticeships rather than universities. Many belonged to the Company of Barber-Surgeons, a guild whose members performed haircuts, bloodletting, tooth extractions, and surgical procedures. Because they did not hold university medical degrees, they were addressed as Mr.
How "Mr." Became a Mark of Prestige
As medical science advanced, surgery evolved into one of the most respected and technically demanding specialties in medicine. Surgeons eventually began attending medical school, earning medical degrees, and qualifying as doctors like other physicians.
However, after obtaining specialist surgical qualifications—traditionally through one of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons—they reverted from Dr. to Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms. as a way of honoring the profession's historical roots.
Ironically, becoming Mr. is often regarded as a professional milestone, signifying that a doctor has completed specialist surgical training.
Are All Surgeons Called "Mr."?
No.
The tradition is primarily followed in countries influenced by the British medical system, including:
- The United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Some other Commonwealth countries
In countries such as the United States, Canada, and many parts of Europe, surgeons generally continue to use the title Dr.
When Does a Doctor Become "Mr."?
In the UK, a medical graduate begins their career using the title Dr.
After completing several years of postgraduate surgical training and passing the required specialist examinations—such as becoming a Member or Fellow of one of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons—they traditionally revert to Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms.
The change reflects specialist status and professional tradition, not a loss of medical qualification.
Does Being Called “Mr.”, Mean They Are Not Doctors?
Absolutely not.
Modern surgeons are fully qualified medical doctors. They complete:
- Medical school
- Foundation or internship training
- Several years of specialist surgical training
- Rigorous professional examinations
- Ongoing continuing professional development throughout their careers
The title Mr. is simply a historic tradition and has no bearing on a surgeon's qualifications, expertise, or authority to practise medicine.
Why Has the Tradition Continued?
Many surgeons continue to use the title because it:
- Preserves the rich history of the surgical profession.
- Distinguishes qualified surgeons from other medical specialists.
- Recognizes the successful completion of demanding surgical training.
- Reflects pride in one of medicine's oldest and most respected specialties.
Although the tradition can be confusing to patients, it remains an important part of surgical culture in several countries.
Conclusion
The reason many surgeons are called Mr. instead of Dr. lies in history rather than qualification. The tradition began when surgeons were trained through apprenticeships rather than university education. Today, surgeons are fully qualified medical doctors, but in countries such as the United Kingdom, many choose to revert to Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms. after achieving specialist surgical qualifications. Rather than diminishing their status, the title is widely regarded as a symbol of professional accomplishment and a proud reminder of the history and heritage of surgery.
Read more on this write-up; click on link below:
Royal College of Surgeons of England. (n.d.). Qualifications of a surgeon
