Homoeopaths using the title "Dr." in the UK - ASA decisions.

[Mojo]

Although I don't think the title "Dr." has any protected status in the UK, the ASA has today issued two (http://www.asa.org.uk/asa/adjudications/non_broadcast/Adjudication+Details.htm?Adjudication_id=40725) rulings (http://www.asa.org.uk/asa/adjudications/non_broadcast/Adjudication+Details.htm?Adjudication_id=40747) ordering homoeopaths to stop advertising themselves as doctors, on the grounds that it could mislead consumers into thinking that they had general medical qualifications.

Are there any countries where use of the title in these sort of circumstances is actually regulated? I'm sure I've read that in the US it's considered unethical for a PhD to use the title "Dr." if they're offering health advice or in other circumstances where it could be mistaken for a medical qualification (something that Gillian McKeith, for example, seems to have no trouble with).

Interestingly, both complaints were made by "The London Free Homeopathic Health Centre" (no sign of them on a Google search). Dissention in the ranks?

[AnotherSillyAlias]

Here (http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/179_11_011203/arnold_letter_011203-2.html) is a little info on the title of "Doctor".

[Asolepius]

Although the complaint was originally made by other homeopaths, that was not upheld. ASA, on having Ashraf brought to their attention, then made 2 more complaints, which were upheld. In addition, Ashraf is clearly guilty of practising medicine without a licence. Although the ads in question have been withdrawn, someone should report him to the GMC.

The interesting point is that the ASA thought that the most minimal qualification was adequate to offer homeopathy, which is why they rejected the first complant. Just goes to show how seriously they take it.

[Rasmus]

In Germany, a "Dr." is what the english speaking world calls a "PhD"; and people working as physicians are usually referred to as doctors, to. Bearers of a PhD in medicine will often use the title "Dr. med." - there are, of course, physicians who hold PhDs in subjects other than medicine.

It is illegal to call yourself a doctor unless you hold a PhD. I think it is also illegal to call yourself a physician unless you're trained.

Rasmus.

[Badly Shaved Monkey]

"Mr Ahmed submitted a diploma from the British School of Yoga (BSY) to show that he had studied homeopathy.

The ASA noted the BSY diploma was awarded for a beginners' distance learning course. However, we understood that there were no specific regulatory requirements for homeopathic practitioners to have particular qualifications or be affiliated with a statutory body. Because Mr Ahmed was able to show that he had undertaken studies in homeopathy, we did not object on this point."

:)

[homer]

Actually most Doctors in the UK are in fact MD's and only use the title Dr by courtesy .
The term Doctor is an academic title given to somebody who has written a dissertation and been awarded the degree of Phd . Medical practicioners have ' borrowed ' this title .
Surgeons refuse to demean themselves with this title and call themselves MR:regardless of academic rank .
A BA is the first degree and so you are then a Bachelor even if you are , like me , married . So since I have a BA I'm a Bachelor ! Don't tell the wife .

[Mojo]

Actually most Doctors in the UK are in fact MD's and only use the title Dr by courtesy .
The term Doctor is an academic title given to somebody who has written a dissertation and been awarded the degree of Phd . Medical practicioners have ' borrowed ' this title .Certainly, but when Joe Public talks about a "doctor", they mean a suitably qualified medical practitioner, so use of the title by someone in the health sector will tend to give the general public the impression that they are a qualified medical doctor.

[Asolepius]

Actually most Doctors in the UK are in fact MD's and only use the title Dr by courtesy .
The term Doctor is an academic title given to somebody who has written a dissertation and been awarded the degree of Phd . Medical practicioners have ' borrowed ' this title .
Surgeons refuse to demean themselves with this title and call themselves MR:regardless of academic rank .
A BA is the first degree and so you are then a Bachelor even if you are , like me , married . So since I have a BA I'm a Bachelor ! Don't tell the wife .
Actually they are not MDs, they are bachelors. MD is a postgraduate medical degree in the UK. It's also a postgraduate degree in the US, because all physicians are postgraduates, having done a first degree before they start studying medicine. My son will come out of medical school as BM - bachelor of medicine. But as you say he can still call himself Dr.

[Rolfe]

Yes, the standard medical degree is MBChB - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. "Doctor" is purely a courtesy title. Recently the dentists have started to award themselves the same courtesy. There has been some muttering about vets doing the same, mainly because of the influx of graduates from other EU countries where the standard first degree is a DVM (or equivalent in Spanish), and the ordinary BVMSs or whatever feel disadvantaged. (DVM is a very high-powered award in British universities.) So far, I just address these graduates as Mr or Miss or whatever unless they do actually have the equivalent of a PhD. Dammit, I sweated blood for three years (plus writing up) to get my PhD, I'm not giving up that easily.

Funny story. Some time while I was studying in the chemistry department at Glasgow University I lost the key to the padlock on my locker containing my lab coat and notes and stuff. I went to the janitor to ask if he would jemmy open the padlock for me. His reply was "You'll have to bring me a note from your doctor." I stared at him for about 20 seconds, wondering why on earth I needed a medical certificate to get into my locker, before realising that he meant I had to bring proof from my lecturer that I was indeed the genuine owner of the locker in question.

I picked the lock with a hairpin.

Rolfe.

[Dr. Imago]

I had a PhD history professor while in undergrad named Ronald Nurse. Imagine the confusion when that guy introduced himself in a hospital...

-Dr. Imago, MD ;)

[brettDbass]

Are there any countries where use of the title in these sort of circumstances is actually regulated? I'm sure I've read that in the US it's considered unethical for a PhD to use the title "Dr." if they're offering health advice or in other circumstances where it could be mistaken for a medical qualification (something that Gillian McKeith, for example, seems to have no trouble with).

What, the doctorate she may or may not have bought (http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/badscience/story/0,12980,1280808,00.html) by post from some non-accredited correspondance course through The Clayton College of Natural Health, by any chance?

Goddamn woman drives me nuts :mad:

[Mojo]

What, the doctorate she may or may not have bought (http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/badscience/story/0,12980,1280808,00.html) by post from some non-accredited correspondance course through The Clayton College of Natural Health, by any chance?

Goddamn woman drives me nuts :mad:Well, I'm sure she's at least as well-qualified as Ben's (deceased) cat (http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/badscience/story/0,12980,1315472,00.html)! :D