Doctor Meaning
Doctor Definition & Usage
A person who is qualified to practice medicine, typically a physician who treats illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions.
Examples
- "After feeling ill for days, Jane decided to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis."
- "The doctor recommended that I take a week off to recover from the flu."
- "He became a doctor because he always wanted to help people in need."
- "She was treated by a skilled doctor who specialized in pediatric care."
- "Doctors work long hours, often under stressful conditions, to care for their patients."
A person who has earned a doctoral degree (e.g., PhD) in a specific field of study, indicating high expertise and advanced research in that subject.
Examples
- "She is a doctor of philosophy with a specialization in medieval literature."
- "He obtained his doctorate in engineering after years of research on renewable energy."
- "The university awards honorary doctorates to individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields."
- "Dr. Lee is a leading expert in environmental science, having completed his doctoral research on climate change."
- "After years of studying linguistics, Carla finally became a doctor of applied linguistics."
To act as a doctor or medical professional by diagnosing, treating, or prescribing for illnesses or conditions.
Examples
- "The nurse tried to doctor the wound before the doctor arrived."
- "He was caught trying to doctor the evidence to make it look like an accident."
- "You should never attempt to doctor your own prescriptions without consulting a healthcare provider."
- "In medieval times, barbers were often the ones to doctor minor injuries."
- "She was advised not to doctor her own symptoms but instead to visit the hospital for a thorough examination."
Cultural Context
The word 'doctor' comes from the Latin 'docere', meaning 'to teach'. Historically, it was used to refer to scholars or teachers, especially those with a higher education or professional qualification. Today, it is widely associated with the medical profession and academic qualifications.
The Doctor's Dilemma
Story
The Doctor's Dilemma
It was a warm afternoon when Dr. Emily Carter, a respected pediatrician, stepped into the bustling hospital lobby. She had just finished a long shift, her mind racing through the day's cases. Her expertise in treating young patients made her a beloved figure, but today, the doctor faced a dilemma that had nothing to do with medicine. She had received an unexpected call from her alma mater—her former professor was urging her to come back to the university to receive an honorary doctorate for her contributions to children's health. As she walked down the hall, Emily's phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from her old friend David, who had recently completed his doctoral research in environmental science. 'Congrats on the honorary doctorate, Emily. I'll be there to support you!' he wrote. David had always admired her as a doctor, both in her clinical work and the research she had done to improve treatment outcomes for children. Emily paused before entering the staff room, deep in thought. Becoming a doctor had been her lifelong dream, but the path to this honorary doctorate was entirely different from her work as a pediatrician. She wasn’t sure how she felt about the recognition. She had always seen herself simply as someone who did her job to help people, not someone deserving of accolades. That evening, she called David. 'Do you think I'm making a mistake by accepting it?' she asked. David chuckled. 'You've earned it, Em. Whether you’re doctoring a child’s health or researching better treatments, you’re making a difference.' Emily smiled. It was a simple reminder that being a doctor wasn’t just about a title—it was about the impact she had on the lives of others. As she accepted the honorary doctorate a few weeks later, she realized that her journey, whether in medicine or in academia, had been one of constant learning, growth, and dedication to helping others. The ceremony was bittersweet, but Emily knew that the word 'doctor' held more than one meaning. It was about healing, yes, but it was also about teaching, researching, and making the world a better place for everyone. In the end, Dr. Emily Carter wasn’t just a doctor in the traditional sense—she was a doctor in every sense of the word.
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