This discussion was a chuckle for me. Shortly after I obtained my PhD
(variously referred to as having "piled it higher and deeper" than others;
or my Phuddy Duddy name! :-) ), I encountered some MDs who insisted on
calling me by my first name in settings where I felt it was more
appropriate to use my professional title. I found that returning the favor
by calling them THEIR first name STOPPED their presumption of familiarity
(by using my first name) when they wanted me to use THEIR title. :-)
My own rule of thumb is, I use titles when sending reports to health care
providers (Dr., Ms, whatever) and first names when I know people socially
or in a colleagial setting. Lactnet certainly qualifies as a collegial
setting. As long as we are appropriately polite to one another, no need to
use titles, in my opinion.
How do the rest of you feel?
mailto:[log in to unmask]
"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly
disguised as impossible situations."
Kathleen G. Auerbach,PhD, IBCLC (Ferndale, WA USA) [log in to unmask]
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