Call your GP by their first name?

Schnooks

I call mine by his first name, have been going to him for over 25 years, he would be shocked if I called him Dr xxx.

At 57, I tend to use first names for everyone from bank managers to priests to kids teachers etc. They usually introduce themselves by their name, so I use it.

I do not ever want to be called Mr, or uncle etc, so all my friends kids and nieces/nephews etc have always used my first name, as does my own son on occasion. I mostly call my own mother by her name, and also my Dad when he was alive.

An elderly person I would refer to as Mr/Mrs etc at first meeting, switching to first name either at their request or as I get to know them better.

For anyone familiar with Japanese etiquette you always add the suffix “san” out of deference to anyone you are engage with, and usually after their surname, profession, or if being causal with a person where appropriate after their first name. You have to know a person a long time before dropping the “san” suffix.

AndrewJRenko

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121573716#Comment_121573716

Probably related to the HelloMyNameIs campaign;

https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/qid/person-family-engagement/hellomynameis/checklist-to-assist-hse-sites-implementin-hello-my-name-is-.pdf

PoisonIvyBelle

I can't actually recall a time I've used my GP's name when speaking to them directly. When would you use it? Like I'm going to him over 10 years but I'd just say "hello/good morning" etc. when I go in, and never have reason to address him with his name in the convo. The receptionist swaps between the first name and title so I'd say he doesn't mind which. If I'm calling to make an appointment I use his title.

KaneToad

First name all the way. I'm paying for the service. He calls me by my first name.

gipi

I don't know what to call my GP, because I don't know her name! She replaced my previous GP in the practice, and didn't introduce herself on my first visit. The receptionist didn't offer the GP's name either.

It's my 3rd GP at the practice in about 18 months, so maybe they don't introduce themselves since they won't be staying long 🙂

Wanderer78

on personal terms with mine, so first name, and always thankful and grateful after the fact

Hamsterchops

Dr Bigger, or just doctor.

First Name is Richard I think?

maninasia

First world problems....half of us in Dublin can't find any GP to talk to never mind call them a name.

maninasia

Usually didn't cost them much since it's almost fully covered by the state these days.

They train to become skilled in a profession, called general practitioner or surgeon or whatever. That's referred to them being doctors. It's what they do not who they are.

It's like calling me transport manager SW. Doesn't happen.

I call them by their first name or say Mr Blobby. The only time I use DR is to say is the doctor there or some such variation.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058329584/call-your-gp-by-their-first-name

Whilst most GPs don’t care, I personally prefer to be called by my first name even though my title is Dr, others prefer Dr, so the safe play is to call them by their professional title unless they indicate their preference. I don’t know any that want to be called anything other than by their first name when they are outside their medical setting.

On the other aspect of your post, Dr is a professional title which is earned by completing medical training, not an indicator of social standing. They are better than you, at giving medical advice. Doctors have earned the title “Dr”, if you want to feel equal while you are in their clinic, go get a medical degree.

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058329584/call-your-gp-by-their-first-name

Your insecurities are your problem. If you don’t know someone very well the norm is to either ask them how they’d prefer to be addressed or call them by their title unless they tell you to do otherwise. Some people are sensitive about how you address them and some don’t mind, but it is rude or in your terms superior to simple decide and not give them the option. As my old mother used to say, it costs nothing to be polite.

I call my doctor “Martin” because that is what he asked me to. I usually chat to him on WhatsApp in any case, so it is more in keeping with the media, I suppose.

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121571836#Comment_121571836

Maybe work on those social skills then, because forget how people introduced themselves… not so nice.

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121575401#Comment_121575401

That is a bit different though, they know their name is difficulty to pronounce for non natives and have made a conscious decision as to how they want to be addressed. In a couple of places I worked the staff directory had a field title “Known Name” for exactly this purpose.

shalena65

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121574895#Comment_121574895

the use of first names versus titles like "Dr." can feel complex. Cultural shifts and personal preferences influence these interactions. Whether it's professional courtesy or establishing rapport, clarity in communication matters. Ultimately, mutual respect and comfort should guide how individuals address each other in professional settings.

Archeron

Dr. Oingegedaydegegdeaybaba, always.

apache

I've always called him Dr xxx for 30 years. Calling him by his first name seems disrespectful to me.

standardg60

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122006965#Comment_122006965

Do chatbots have doctors?

mickdw

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121581539#Comment_121581539

Dr Dick Bigger.

Ya I believe ya

taxAHcruel

Would say context is everything for me. In a medical setting I would call such a person Doctor. If I met the same person in the pub I would call them by the first or second name, depending on how well I know them.

Similarly when I am training or teaching Martial arts I would call my teacher - or be called by my students - by "professor" or "master" or whatever the martial art in question traditionally suggests. But if one of my students saw me in the pub and called me Professor I would look at them cross eyed.