Dubious Travel Tip No. 1

[Guest3]

Yep!! Doesn't make sense does it!!

[Mountain Goat]

Yes, they are exactly the same, but totally different, that's the beauty of it.

The real difference is how 'Mr' is pronounced by the Surgeon's (Consultant, whatever) secretary. He/she will say Mister, but it will be clear to everyone that your Mr Smith wasn't a surgeon; you will have to watch his/her upper lip, and possibly whether he/she raises an eyebrow at the same time. It sounds difficult at first, but you can soon pick it up; exchanged looks with other medical staff will also be worth watching for clues. The real thing will also be wearing a rather loud bow tie (normal length ties dangle inelegantly and unhygienically 'in' the patient when they are operating, if you get my drift).

For a bit of background reading, try 'Watching the English' by Kate Fox, who is an anthropologist; it will get you up to speed in no time.

Re Lord of the Manor titles, they're a dime a dozen, try:

http://www.elitetitles.net/main/faq.htm

although I tend to use:

http://www.nobility.co.uk/nobleindex.html

Goat

[A-two]

Brooke,
Dr. only applies to the Primary care physicians aka GPs aka General Practitioners aka Family Doctors, also (I think) Hospital ER Doctors. All specialist Doctors are Consultants, known as Mr. and recognizable only by the initials after their name. Underneath Consultants are Registrars and Assistant Registrars, also Mr. (Somebody correct me if I'm wrong please).
And I agree completely, the secretaries can be very ill mannered if someone gets it wrong, so don't think it's just you. I found the attitude not dissimilar in the US when I first arrived and was niaive enough to call a dentist Mr. instead of Dr.

Can't remember about Vets in the UK, but I think they are Mr. also? Here, they are Doctors.

[enid]

Kevin (my hubby) says that the only people who have an absolute right to the title of doctor are those who have a PhD or a D Phil etc - medics hold their title from their professional association and as such hold a courtesy title.

So - he's looking forward to welcoming Dr Vrooje to the club

[Hells Bells]

Medical consultants here ie. physicians are still Dr. Only Surgical consultants are known as Mr. It dates from the tradition of 'barber-surgeons" granted a charter by Henry VIIIth in 1540. The distinction has continued but is now under review,by the Royal College of surgeons, as surgeons have been as highly qualified as physicians for many years, and all take a medical degree. So the practice my be discontinued soon anyway.

[Hells Bells]

Female surgeons are known as Miss, Ms or Mrs of course, not Mr.

[Mountain Goat]

What happens if you are a female Consultant Surgeon, but just happen to be a Marchioness as well? And, I suppose, want to travel on BA? Or book a holiday rental?

Goat

[Hells Bells]

Ahh, then you would be known by your title. I have a customer who is a Sir, and who is also a neurosurgeon.

[Guest3]

The real thing will also be wearing a rather loud bow tie (normal length ties dangle inelegantly and unhygienically 'in' the patient when they are operating, if you get my drift).

Oh yes..a definite trade mark for a Consultant Surgeon...so remember..if you're pretending to be one for a better flight seat..don't forget the dickie bow!!

[A-two]

Dubious travel tip Number 2: Never never to trust a man with a bow tie (or a Marchioness)...

[Giddy Goat]

Brooke,
Dr. only applies to the Primary care physicians aka GPs aka General Practitioners aka Family Doctors, also (I think) Hospital ER Doctors. All specialist Doctors are Consultants, known as Mr. and recognizable only by the initials after their name.

HelenB is right - she means that not all doctors at consultant level are surgeons - non- surgical, ie medical consultants, such as skin specialists, anaesthetists, chest physicians, paediatricians, radiologists, pathologists etc all carry the title of 'Dr'.

New, non-dubious travel tip: never trust a man/woman with a drinks container in his/her hand luggage.