This is probably the most frequently asked question of all of the questions that people have in regards to being a doctorate PA. In any setting, except the clinical setting, a PA with a doctorate degree can be and should be addressed with the “Dr” moniker. It is the opinion of the ADPA that in the clinical setting, PAs may and should use the doctor title as well as their professional title. For example, in a clinical setting, a PA should introduce themselves as, ‘Dr. Mason, the physician assistant that will be caring for them today’. Unfortunately, physicians in several states have inserted language into the PA Practice Act and other places prohibiting PAs from using the “Dr” moniker in the clinical setting. Other states require PAs to divulge where the “authority” by which one obtains this doctorate degree. This is usually the school you graduated from. It would be our caution to check with your state legislation to ensure that you are not in one of these states.
Some healthcare professionals, such as physicians, state that they are concerned use of the doctor title will confuse patients. The ADPA would like to point out that the doctor title has been used by many non-physician professionals for decades. As such, there is no reason that a practicing physician assistant with a doctorate degree cannot also use their hard-earned title proudly.