DIY Doctorates: The Rise of Self-Proclaimed Experts and the Quest for Respect
Any thoughts about this clip from Brooklyn 99? I’ll wait.
3 thoughts on “DIY Doctorates: The Rise of Self-Proclaimed Experts and the Quest for Respect”
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Back when one was required to be a “minister” to perform weddings, I got my ministerial certificate from the Universal Life Church by simply sending for it with a small “donation”. A legitimate freedom of religion thing. They also offered a Dr. of Divinity degree for another donation and some paperwork. So, I guess I missed the call to be able to call myself a doctor instead of just a reverend.
I do have respect for anyone who earns a doctorate by writing a dissertation. Even nurse-practitioners have to do that. I’ve always said, I earned my doctorate by memorizing a ton of crap and putting my finger into a lot of orifices. I sweated blood on every term paper I ever wrote. However, writing a dissertation on, say, obstetrical care in rural communities, doesn’t replace the experience of delivering a lot of babies! Every time you post one of the DNP ads I think of what the late great George Carlin said: “Out there somewhere is the world’s worst doctor, and tomorrow morning somebody has an appointment with him.”
Hilarious. If I had a PhD, I’d rather be called “professor” anyway.
It’s hilarious how many fall all over themselves to be addressed as “doctor.” I introduced myelf to a patient last week who responded , “Well I’m Doctor …” whaterver-the-hell-her-last-name-was. It was evident from her timing, tone, and questions that she knew nothing medical, so I didn’t bother asking. The corrupt contractor that built our house, and who happens to have a posthole digger in some obscure pursuit runs all over town insisting everyone call her “doctor.”
About 99% of the patients of the local primary NP who refers them to the ER call her “doctor,” and always refer to me as “mister.” I don’t even bother correcting them, screw it, so long as my paycheck is signed. I just hope no one uses that title in whatever drunken eulogy is given at my Viking funeral.