Why physicians are ‘dr’ and surgeons are ‘mr’

Modern surgeons have completed many years of training following successfully completing a medical degree at university. Some patients have raised concerns such as:. With the use of the terms Mr, Mrs, Miss, Dr, Professor etc it is not always absolutely clear to the patient whether someone is a doctor or not.

This can be important with the complexity of some medical conditions requiring the input from many members of the health service. But if non-medically qualified practitioners are doing components of operations we need to know who the doctors are. Some academics argue that the title "Dr" should be reserved for holders of doctorates who have done original research such as John Reid, the Secretary of State for Health, who is not a medical doctor but has a PhD in economic history.

One consultant physician said: "The way surgeons have stuck to 'Mr' and 'Miss' has been a form of inverted snobbery for years.

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Already subscribed? Log in. Forgotten your password? Want an ad-free experience? The letters MRCS indicate a surgeon in training who has achieved a level of generic surgical competencies that enable them to successfully undertake specialist training, and they are current Members of the College.

The letters FDSRCS after a dental specialist's name mean that the specialist's education and training, professional qualifications, and competence have passed a rigorous evaluation, and have been found to be consistent with the high standards established and demanded by the College, of which the specialist is a current Fellow.

The letters MFDS indicate a specialist in training who has achieved a level of generic specialist competencies that enable them to successfully undertake specialist training, and they are current members of the College. MJDF is a marker of completion of foundation training in dentistry, preparing the practitioner for a career as a generalist or a specialist, and giving joint membership of the two dental Faculties of and at the College.

An honorary fellowship is an award by the Council of the College for those who are internationally distinguished in surgery or have made huge contributions to the College.

Fellowship by Election is an award by the Council of the College for those who are medically or dentally qualified in recognition of outstanding professional service to the College or national distinction in surgery.

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How can I find out if my surgeon is properly qualified? What are the usual qualifications for a surgeon? Where can I find information about becoming a surgeon?

What do the letters after a surgeon's name mean?