Are you really a Doctor?

 

The Latin word doctor originally means "teacher" or "instructor", derived from the verb docēre which means "to teach". In classical Latin, doctor was an agent noun meaning one who teaches or shows knowledge

In the context of medicine, the Latin word for a medical doctor is medicus (masculine) and medica (feminine), meaning "physician" or "healer". The term doctor itself came to mean a holder of a doctorate degree or a learned person, and later extended to mean a medical practitioner in medieval and modern usage

Thus, doctor in Latin primarily means "teacher", while medicus is the classical Latin term for a medical doctor.

The shift from "teacher" to "medical professional" occurred gradually during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. As universities developed in Europe (12th–14th centuries), the title doctor became associated with the highest academic degree in various faculties, including medicine. Those who completed advanced study and demonstrated mastery in medicine were awarded the title "Doctor of Medicine" (M.D.), just as others were called "Doctor of Philosophy" (Ph.D.), "Doctor of Law" (LL.D.), etc.

By the late 14th and especially the 16th century, "doctor" began to replace native terms like "leech" (Old English lǣce) as the standard term for a medical practitioner in English and other European languages. This was due to the growing prestige of university-trained physicians, who were both teachers and practitioners of medicine. The transition is evident in historical records, such as Chaucer's "Doctor of Physic," where "physic" referred to medicine.

Thus, the modern sense of "doctor" as a medical professional evolved from its academic meaning of "teacher," as those who taught medicine at universities were also licensed to practice it, and the title became synonymous with medical expertise.

Verily, to truly embody the meaning of docēre, a physician must first hearken with empathy to the patient's lament, much as a master discerns the student's need. Only then should he proceed to diagnose the ailment and prescribe the remedy. For by this method alone does he prove himself a true physician, one who both instructs and heals.

It's My tribute to all real doctors.