You are a Doctor but I can’t call you Doctor?

Our audiologist is a Doctor of Audiology. She was part of the first graduating class of Doctors of Audiology at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Prior to her official graduation the was practicing in Livonia and was referred to as “Dr. McKenzie”, then after she graduated she returned to Ontario where she could no longer use her title.

In the United States, audiologists who hold a doctorate degree are able to address themselves as Doctor to their patients. In Mexico, audiologists who hold a doctorate degree are able to address themselves as Doctor to their patients.In the U.K., audiologists who hold a doctorate degree are able to address themselves as Doctor to their patients. In other provinces of Canada, audiologists who hold a doctorate degree are able to address themselves as Doctor to their patients. Unfortunately, audiologists who hold a doctorate degree in audiology are unable to address themselves as doctor in in Ontario.

There is a list of several health care professions that are allowed to use the title doctor while treating patients in Ontario. This list includes physicians, chiropractors, optometrists, dentists and psychologists. Patient’s who go to a dentist, are not confused when they see “Dr. Smith”. Patient’s who go to an optometrist, are not confused when they see “Dr. Brown”. Patient’s who bring their dog to a vet are not confused when they see “Dr. White”. Yet, for some reason it is believed that patients who make an appointment to see an audiologist will be confused when they see “Dr. Green”.

Our audiologist is Dr.McKenzie when she goes to the bank. She is Dr. McKenzie when she renews her drivers license or passport. She is Dr. McKenzie in every situation but one: when she treats her patients. She has to actually correct her patients when they refer to her as Dr. McKenzie.

In June 2016, audiologist Dr. Brenda Berge launched a constitutional challenge to use the title doctorwhen treating patients. It’ll be interesting to see what will happen next. We will update this post once a decision has been made.