Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee, I was perplexed to see that you advised people to address envelopes using the title "Dr." only for physicians, but a Ph.D. to be addressed as Mr., Mrs. or Ms. I see a contradiction that I hope you will correct. On your web page, you refer to yourselves as both "Drs. Dave and Dee" and "Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee." However, Dr. Dave has an M.D. and Dr. Dee has a Ph.D. Please clear this up by acknowledging all of the Ph.D.'s who would be disheartened to read your advice, that is, to drop their own Ph.D. in deference to the M.D. This does not make sense to me. Signed, Perplexed Ph.D. Dear Perplexed, Ph.D. Traditional etiquette when addressing an envelope distinguishes between a medical doctor (M.D.) versus a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). However, it has become increasingly common to see a Ph.D. addressed on the envelope as Dr., and as a consequence, deviation from convention has become more acceptable. Please note, the title "Dr." was only for physicians, and referred to addressing envelopes only, so there was no contradiction. Salutations, greetings, and introductions can use Dr. for a Ph.D. For example, when Jane Doe, Ph.D. is being introduced, she can be referred to as Dr. Jane Doe. Letters can use the salutation, Dear Dr. Doe. |
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| Addressing Envelope with Dr. Only for Medical | |
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| Addressing Envelopes and Invitations Properly | |
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| Salutation, Greeting, and Introduction Tips |