<P> Doctor is an academic title that originates from the Latin word of the same spelling and meaning . The word is originally an agentive noun of the Latin verb docēre (dɔˈkeːrɛ)' to teach' . It has been used as an academic title in Europe since the 13th century, when the first doctorates were awarded at the University of Bologna and the University of Paris . Having become established in European universities, this usage spread around the world . Contracted "Dr" or "Dr .", it is used as a designation for a person who has obtained a Doctorate (e.g. PhD). In many parts of the world it is also used by medical practitioners, regardless of whether or not they hold a doctoral - level degree . </P> <P> The doctorate (Latin: doceō, lit .' I teach') appeared in medieval Europe as a license to teach (Latin: licentia docendi) at a medieval university . Its roots can be traced to the early church when the term "doctor" referred to the Apostles, church fathers and other Christian authorities who taught and interpreted the Bible . The right to grant a licentia docendi was originally reserved to the church which required the applicant to pass a test, take an Oath of allegiance and pay a fee . The Third Council of the Lateran of 1179 guaranteed the access--now largely free of charge--of all able applicants, who were, however, still tested for aptitude by the ecclesiastic scholastic . This right remained a bone of contention between the church authorities and the slowly emancipating universities, but was granted by the pope to the University of Paris in 1213 where it became a universal license to teach (licentia ubiquie docendi). However, while the licentia continued to hold a higher prestige than the bachelor's degree (Baccalaureus), it was ultimately reduced to an intermediate step to the Magister and doctorate, both of which now became the exclusive qualification for teaching . </P>

If you have a phd is your title dr