Why are Hospital Consultants referred to as “Mr” and not “Dr”?
It dates back to the early 18th century. Physicians were distinguished by a medical degree – MD. If qualified abroad could buythem from the University of Aberdeen at the then price of £20. Imagine that in today’s money. Possession of the MD entitled them to be called doctor.. 18th century surgeons seldom had formal qualifications and were called Mr, In 1800 the Royal College of Surgeons was founded, it became customary to take the exam for membership. MRCS – Menber of the Royal College of Surgeons. Female surgeons are Mrs, Miss or Ms. Males retained the Mr. It’s mainly in the UK and the Irish Republic Mr is used, not always used in Australia or New Zealand. I beliebe sometimes in Canada, not sure about the rest of the world.
