What is a doctor?

Classically, a doctor was a learned person who would teach those with less experience. Over time, doctor became synonymous with physician. This is not accurate, however, as any person with a doctorate degree (Ph.D, etc) is technically a doctor, although now, in educational venues, those who hold a Ph.D are typically called professor in a group or doctor individually. In the clinical or hospital venue, the prefix "doctor" is usually reserved for those with medical degrees, MDs or DOs.  more