Can anyone use the label "Doctor" in a health care setting in NY state?

Question

Could a PhD use the word doctor to describe themselves in a health care setting - ie a psychology office?

Answer 1

You are asking two separate questions, you know.  *g*  But there's no charge for a two-fer.

"Anyone" cannot call themselves a doctor in a health care setting, because someone who is not qualified to offer treatment would be misrepresenting themselves.  But a PhD is not just anyone--s/he has earned their doctorate and legitimately holds the title.  A PhD can use "doctor" anywhere they like, though traditionally PhDs do not use the title socially.

If you are a James Bond arch-nemesis and you are running evil experiments on Sean Connery in your lab, no one is likely to question your claim to the title Doctor.  No?

Answer 2

Yes.