Why is the hospital environment in the US so formal?

[-]

dystopiadattopia@reddit

What are you supposed to call doctors? Billy?

[-]

AtlasThe1st@reddit

"Yo doc, what up?" "Yo, you got fuckin, uh, ass cancer" "Damn"

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Yes only heard first names used. Never heard anyone call a doctor by title.

[-]

vteezy99@reddit

Interesting. I guess we do it out of respect. I have never heard of a doctor demanding to be called “Doctor____” though.

[-]

The only time I've heard someone demand to be called "Doctor," it's a PhD, not an MD. And it's usually in a social situation where that honorific would normally not be used and they're just being a jerk about it.

[-]

Khaleesi_dany_t@reddit

Ive had college professors talk about it. It makes sense in a classroom or a formal event, like calling Jill binden Dr. Biden at a white house dinner, but in a normal social setting? No thats ridiculous

[-]

rabbifuente@reddit

I didn’t go to evil medical school just to be called Mr.

[-]

shelwood46@reddit

I am amused that in the UK they call surgeons Mr/Mrs/Ms, and actually get huffy if you do call them "doctor".

[-]

wfbhp@reddit

Really? That's a UK/US difference I've never heard before. I guess none of the media I consume from the UK is really centered on medical scenarios though.

[-]

Peterd1900@reddit

Historically

Physicians went to university to gain a doctorate in medicine allowing to use the term doctor

Whereas surgeons were tradespeople often the barber or butcher. These people had tools and knowlege to perform surgery

A butcher would have tools and knowledge to amputate a leg.

These people never went to university they would learn through apprenticeship. A doctor would supervise but the person cutting the leg off would actually be a barber

Because they did not go to unversity they were not legally doctors. They would just be called MR surname

Over time surgery got more advanced what were known as barber-surgeons split focusing more on the surgeon side

They then started royal college of surgeons to train specfically in medicine and surgery which made them more qualified and specalised then an actual doctor was.

Being called MR was seen as a putdown when it was seen as a trade but then it was used as a badge of honour

Today all surgeons are doctors in the sense they got a medical doctorate from medical school but to become a surgeon they have to go through surgeon school.

If they do that they stop using DR. As traditionally surgeons were not doctors

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

We wouldn't use Mr either

[-]

scotchirish@reddit

Usually just niche academic PhDs and neurosurgeons

[-]

Throwawaydontgoaway8@reddit

All of my professors (that had a PhD) asked to be called doctor, and I went to liberal arts university so it was all over the place from math to chem to English and polisci. Maybe it was just my school, but it wasn’t niche

[-]

PromiseThomas@reddit

That’s crazy. I went to a liberal arts school and even fairly strict professors were like, “Just call me (first name).” Two exceptions: one professor who was so old that he was in college during the Vietnam draft preferred Mr. Lastname, and the school’s youngest professor preferred Dr. Lastname. Neither of them were, like, weird about it, just day one of class that’s how they introduced themselves, so that’s what we called them. If anything, it was the ones who liked to be called by their first names who were the most insistent about it—“Oh god, don’t call me Professor, just call me David.”

[-]

bej1234@reddit

Oh shit wild. I’m also from Michigan, I went to GVSU, liberal arts university, but in my department, pretty much every single prof didn’t give a shit what we called them lol. What was my program?? Drumroll… biology lol. And there was some overlap with the natural resource management profs and they EVEN MORE SO didn’t care what the students called them. So yeah most of my teachers at school (ugh well, in the bio department I guess) told us to call them by their first name. Other ones didn’t care if we said Professor Smith or Dr. Smith. I tried a few sociology classes and one of them said he didn’t care what we called him in class. But if we ever saw him out in the real world and called his name to get his attention, he totally demanded that we would call him DR SMITH 😂😂 smith obvs were none of my teachers last names. I found from talking to other students that other departments were a lot more formal than the sciences, weirdly enough

[-]

Throwawaydontgoaway8@reddit

Oh lol, ya I went to college in Colorado so 🤷‍♂️ maybe it’s different here in Michigan. I’ll ask my wife

[-]

bej1234@reddit

Could be Michigan but I guess it also could have just been my laid back school lol 😅

[-]

Equivalent-Cicada165@reddit

It's also a title/shorthand for us

Im at the doctor. They're the doctor. I call them doctor.

If I happen to meet a doctor in a casual setting, then they're not, "the doctor" anymore. That's Bob

[-]

ashbertollini@reddit

Oh they do, I'm sure it varies place to place, but I see it often.

[-]

JustHere4TheZipLines@reddit

I think there are multiple things at play. Calling someone Dr is a sign of respect and it also gives credibility to the person. If I’m talking to a doctor about another doctor, saying “Dr. Smith” instead of “Jill Smith” immediately gives them credibility that wouldn’t be given to a normal person.

Calling teachers “Mr. Smith” is used to signify their authority, which is important for kids and classroom management.

[-]

PromiseThomas@reddit

For me it adds clarity too. It can be hard to tell, especially if you’re unfamiliar with hospitals, if the person you’re talking to is a doctor or nurse or what. If they introduce themselves as Doctor So and so then you know that they’re a doctor.

[-]

FivebyFive@reddit

This isn't an American thing. It's common in many countries. I'd actually say y'all are the outliers.

[-]

squirrelcat88@reddit

I’m not American, I’m Canadian, but I think it’s more that sick people in a hospital want a level of formality sometimes.

You’re half naked, your butt is hanging out, and people are having to help you to the washroom - or worse. You have no control over anything and you feel bad.

Addressing a patient formally makes them feel they have a tiny bit more control, and that extends to addressing the doctor formally too.

So if you’re dropping by a doctor’s office for something you might call each other by your first names - but not in a hospital setting. I’ve also seen people address each other by first names when the hospital stay is about a baby being born - I guess because that’s a happier event.

[-]

0x706c617921@reddit

washroom

Don’t need to mention that you’re a Canadian. It’s blatantly obvious lol.

[-]

ATLien_3000@reddit

I didn't see the apology.

[-]

MarkRick25@reddit

I just wanted to say that I dig your username. My tag for most things online is "ifyoulikefishngritz" lol

[-]

squirrelcat88@reddit

Whoops, sorry eh?

[-]

Current_Poster@reddit

(Imagining "Whoops, Sorry, Eh?" as the CanCon version of "Whoomp, there it is"...)

[-]

0x706c617921@reddit

😂

[-]

ATLien_3000@reddit

Although u/squirrelcat88 did do the thing that anyone will tell you is the easiest way to spot a Canadian.

Telling everyone.

[-]

squirrelcat88@reddit

I feel a little uncomfortable taking part otherwise in a sub called “Ask an American.”

I think there are some things I can give an answer to as we’re neighbours ( note correct spelling. 😉)

[-]

0x706c617921@reddit

🇨🇦 🍁 🔥

[-]

squirrelcat88@reddit

Haha I figured Americans would spot that tell but I didn’t know whether a Dane would.

[-]

0x706c617921@reddit

:)

[-]

Hoosier_Jedi@reddit

People in Japan say “sensei.” There’s nothing about this unique to America.

[-]

Many_Inevitable_6803@reddit

Wow, are you sure they were a physician and not a PA/NP? But you questioning this really does shock me. Yes we ABSOLUTELY only call drs as Dr. Whatever

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Why? We call everyone by their first name except for someone from the royal family. We also call teachers by their first name.

[-]

Many_Inevitable_6803@reddit

Oh we definitely don’t

[-]

Winter-Warlock8954@reddit

Then how do you know they're doctors?

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

They introduce themselves and then they tell you they are a doctor

[-]

vteezy99@reddit

Wait are you talking about a social setting, or at a hospital? At a hospital we call them “doctor so and so”. But in a social setting like a party we call them by their names

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

We use first name in both cases

[-]

Throwawaydontgoaway8@reddit

Seems less efficient than just saying I’m Dr. Blah. But also as much respect is a part of it so is the feeling of safety and security, “Oh they know what they’re talking about, they’re a doctor”

[-]

TiFist@reddit

This is a rank/power imbalance issue. A doctor would call another doctor by their first name if they know each other and are addressing each other directly.

A patient would never address a doctor by their first name when speaking directly to them. This is not just true for hospitals.

[-]

CleverHearts@reddit

I call my doctor by her first name. That's how she introduced herself so that's what I call her.

[-]

Practical-Ordinary-6@reddit

I had an eye doctor who said I could call her Lindsay and I did call her Lindsay.

[-]

C21H27Cl3N2O3@reddit

They absolutely do. Some doctors prefer it. One of the ED physicians I work with regularly always starts out with “my name is John, I’m one of our emergency department doctors.” Most patients don’t address doctors as anything, they just talk to them.

[-]

Drew707@reddit

IDK, this seems like a situation where the person in question establishes how they would like to be addressed. Some people like the honorific and last name, others are more casual. It's more about their personal preference and how they want to run their practice.

[-]

revengeappendage@reddit

They are at work.

So yea we call them Dr so and so.

[-]

zombiefacelol@reddit

The you first meet them do they say "hi I'm doctor Bob" ? Because if someone came into my room and said "hi I'm Bob. Ill be doing your procedure today" id be like ... OK exactly who are you?

[-]

Retalihaitian@reddit

I only call our docs by their first names if I adore them or I hate them. Everyone else is Dr. LastName

[-]

KittyBungholeFire@reddit

It's Denmark, so probably "Villy" (diminutive form of Vilhelm/Villum).

[-]

DOMSdeluise@reddit

why is the hospital environment in Denmark so informal? It's just a cultural thing. I cannot imagine calling my doctor, or my kids' pediatrician, or my dentist by their first names. Here you call them Dr. Lastname. They all call me by my first name though.

[-]

soap---poisoning@reddit

Now I’m wondering how common it is for patients in any medical setting to be addressed by their first name. I can’t recall a single time in my adult life that has happened to me.

[-]

boopbaboop@reddit

I've only ever been called by my first name, though that might be because my surname intimidates people.

[-]

PromiseThomas@reddit

I have noticed it’s very common in hospital settings to call patients Mr./Ms. Lastname, but if I’m just attending a doctor’s appointment at a clinic I always get called by my first name.

[-]

Mysterious-Music-772@reddit

its a sign of respect. I grew up having to say mr and mrs even to my friends parents.

[-]

freenow4evr@reddit

Are kids even taught this nowadays?

[-]

boopbaboop@reddit

Even in schools where I know they use first names rather than surnames, teachers are still "Ms. Jennifer" or "Mr. Steve."

[-]

Puzzleheaded_Math973@reddit

I absolutely have taught mine this.

[-]

masoleumofhope@reddit

The worst was when a parent would encourage you to use their first name instead. Always felt like a lose lose, lol

[-]

Folksma@reddit

I mean, if I went through all that hell to become a Dr I'd want it recognized in a professional environment

[-]

lovimoment@reddit

I hate it when professionals ask me to call them by their first name. We’re not friends, this doesn’t make me feel comfortable, it’s just weird. I just keep apologizing when they correct me but use the title like, “oops, I did it again.”

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

But don't you call a lot people by their first name despite not being friends or even knowing them? I find it weird that there some exceptions such as teachers and doctors in the US.

[-]

lovimoment@reddit

I don't know what you mean by "a lot of people" - these are rules that are very specific to context, and in some cases it varies even by region within the U.S.

One example: when I was in university (in Oklahoma in the early '00s), I went to one of those info sessions about how to behave in a job interview. My boyfriend at the time was a computer science major, and this was an info session specifically for computer science majors, who can be a bit socially awkward. There were three people on a panel, all from big IT companies in California or on the east coast. One student raised his hand and said, "What do I do if the interviewer only tells me their first name and I don't know their last name?" And the lady leading the info session said, "Call them by their first name." And everyone in the room started muttering to the person next to them. She looked very confused why this was so surprising, and was trying to ask if anyone else wanted to ask a question. Finally my boyfriend raised his hand and said, "Ma'am, maybe in California that would be okay, but here in Oklahoma, or in Texas where I'm from, we simply can't call someone we don't know by their first name in a formal situation like a job interview. It's just not done." She sort of consulted with the other people on the panel and then replied, "Okay, well, maybe that's a regional difference." But I remember she had a *very* startled look on her face.

My husband and I have moved around a bit, now we're on the east coast, and we still have trouble when, for instance, our son's teachers ask us to call them by their first name. For one thing, students call teachers by Mr./Ms. and the last name, so we can't remember who is who if we are calling them by their first name and our son is using the last name. But also it just feels *wrong* to use because it's a formal/professional context, not a social one. Other parents from around here don't seem to be bothered by it - I hear them calling the teachers by their first names in conversation, but we just can't do it. (In Oklahoma, our son's teachers never even told us their first names, so it wasn't an issue there.)

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Ok, that’s one thing I’ve noticed. It seems like things are just not as uniform in the US as here in Denmark. Despite being 41 years old I don’t think I have ever addressed someone with Mr(s) + last name ever although I certaintly have referred to some old people that was when I was younger. Personally I find it odd to address people differently depending on the circumstances and I would never ask about permission to call someone by their first name even if they are +100 years old. To me the use of honorifics seems very old-fashioned.

[-]

lovimoment@reddit

Well, I have heard Danish culture described as "radically egalitarian" so what you are saying does not surprise me. :)

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Yea well some people I have talked with are actually very surprised that they don't call teachers by their first name in some other Western countries. I noticed a lot of people don't like if you question customs in their culture.

[-]

lovimoment@reddit

I noticed a lot of people don't like if you question customs in their culture.

Yeah, that's black-and-white thinking. Some people don't understand that some things are not "right" or "wrong," they're just culture, custom, tradition, etc. If I were in Denmark and a doctor said to call them by their first name, and everyone else said, "yes, this is normal here," I'd do it, but in an American context it's not normal and it signals that something is off. (The exception is pediatricians - I think they sometimes use Dr. + first name, like "Dr. Joe," or "Dr. Amanda.")

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Although it might not be common I heard that same doctors go by first name even in the US and even at hospitals. That being said I don't really find title + first name much different than title + last name since you are still using an honorific. Tbh I've actually never heard Mr(s) + first name used ever in my entire life. If we call people by last name we do it without prefix but then it's not really formal.

[-]

Ok_Escape2275@reddit

If you're looking for a deep reason for that, there really isn't one. Medical, legal, and educational professions still just have a good deal of formality around them. Professional titles are still respected.

[-]

TiredPistachio@reddit

“oops, I did it again.”

Please tell me you sing it

[-]

freenow4evr@reddit

And dance

[-]

lovimoment@reddit

Well, as noted, this is in what I consider a formal situation, so...no.

[-]

Jim_E_Rose@reddit

Employment is normal for most of us and it’s the biggest chunk of our day. Just refer to us like you would your amateur friends.

[-]

Equivalent-Cicada165@reddit

This is how I feel

I don't think it's inherently wrong, I just prefer the boundary that it sets. I especially felt this way with professors in college

[-]

Current_Poster@reddit

Honestly, doctors generally do things I wouldn't just let someone named "Steve" do, I would feel better with some formality on principle.

[-]

Bucket_Of_Magic@reddit

Yep, gotta give respect where it's due. My college professor has a doctorate in cyber security so he is known in class as Dr. "Last name". Getting a doctorate is a massive achievement

[-]

boomgoesthevegemite@reddit

It’s respectful and polite. My mom called our family doctor by his first name but they were neighbors growing up and knew each other from the time they were 6 years old. I never called him by his first name directly, but in informal conversation with my mom, I would.

[-]

According-Couple2744@reddit

Generally one’s physician is not one’s friend. I don’t want the doctor next door to do my annual Pap Smear. They are medical professionals preforming a highly-specialized service. Their title is doctor, so that’s how we refer to them. My family doctor, whom I’ve had for nearly 25 years, calls me by my first name because I asked her to. However, my specialist for RA does not.

The hospital environment is a highly professional environment. We don’t go to the hospital to chat with the doctor and nurses. Doctors are basically people we pay to perform a service. Why would we treat them as friends?

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

As if Americans only call their friends by their first name, c'mon that's just not the case. People say the same about teachers, they are not your friends either. But American call most people by their first name, Americans and Danes are not too different here. There are some exceptions to this in the US when it comes to stuff like education, medicine, politics and law enforcement which is different from Denmark.

The argument they are not your friends would have made more sense in the 1960s when most only called their friends by their first name.

[-]

According-Couple2744@reddit

If you have all of the answers, why did you ask the question, Mr. Moron. I answered the question honestly, and if you don’t like it, I don’t really care. Typical European, acting everything you do is correct and perfectly, and as a mere American everything I do is unsophisticated and ignorant. America is a large country. I don’t expect someone who lives in a country the size of Maryland and where the average house size is 1,400 square feet to understand our culture.

I refer to everyone in the way they introduce themselves to me. Twenty-five years ago, my landscaper introduced herself to me as Dan Johnson. To this day I refer to him as Mr. Johnson. He has never asked me to call him by his first name. Earlier today I was speaking to the manager at my bank. She introduced herself as Kim, so I referred to her as Kim.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Never stated that everything here is perfect and correct, that’s just something you make up. I’m just saying the argument that you are only on first name basis with your friends isn’t valid in modern America. Not using first names for teachers and doctors are more like exceptions really.

Also most of Europe is way more formal than the US and thanks for addressing me using an honorific since we’re clearly not friends and what does house size have to do with this? You want to tell me houses in Denmark are tiny compared to the US?

At the end of the day I don’t really care that much about this since it’s not gonna affect me much even if I moved to the US.

[-]

Euphoric_Ease4554@reddit

The title shows respect

[-]

purritowraptor@reddit

Formality, America: >:(

Formality, Japan: :)

Or any other country, I bet.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Well Americans use formalities more than Nordic people

[-]

purritowraptor@reddit

Yeah but why call out Americans specifically when many countries use more formalities than Nordic people?

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

The thing is first name basis is almost universal in the US, but there some exceptions and among them are teachers and doctors. This is different from Nordic countries and I wonder why.

[-]

didyouwoof@reddit

I have always addressed physicians as “Dr. _____,” even when I was representing them in court, and even now, when I’m old enough to be their parent. It’s just a sign of respect.

[-]

PsychoFaerie@reddit

Always called a Doctor Dr. lastname because that's what they introduced themselves as and its usually in a medical setting hospital/office and maybe its a southern thing but its considered. disrespectful to not call them doctor?

Things change of course and if you're like seeing them all the time you'll probably switch to their first name being things aren't as formal and it gets clunky calling them doctor all the time.

[-]

LadyGreyIcedTea@reddit

But when watching a show like The Pitt you really realise just how formal the hospital environment in the US is. Doctors are constantly called and referred to by title and patients are often addressed with Mr(s) + last name as well.

I've been a nurse for almost 2 decades and have never referred to anyone as Mr. or Mrs. Last Name. For the most part we're on a first name basis with doctors and where I work, the patients/families are too.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

I'm talking about the patients calling them that

[-]

LadyGreyIcedTea@reddit

I was in a virtual visit last week where a patient's parents addressed a Neurosurgeon by her first name. And almost all of my pediatric oncology patients' families are on a first name basis with their Oncologists.

I have never called a patient's parent Mr. or Mrs. Last Name. I address them by first name.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

They do address doctors by first name the first time they see them?

[-]

OkTechnologyb@reddit

It's wild to me that you'd call a doctor by their first name. It's absolutely expected that Americans always call doctors "Dr. [last name]."

You're right that American adults are on a very casual basis in all other aspects of life. In the waiting room, a nurse would call out "Edna? Is Edna here?" for an 85-year-old, but doctors are never called by their first name. It just doesn't seem right to do it.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

But that's why I find it weird because usually Americans are not so formal but there are some clear exception when it comes to education, law enforcement and politics as well.

[-]

OkTechnologyb@reddit

I'd argue that these are common areas of formality, even in the western world. If your country doesn't adhere to them, it's possible you are the exception rather than the standard. Do you address by their first name? Do you use the informal pronoun for police officers?

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Honestly not sure about judges but honorifics are not used for people in court, but we use full name for clarity. We do yes and also use first name for police officers and they also call people by their first name. For some reason we kept some formalities for the Royal family like using formal you.

[-]

OkTechnologyb@reddit

Then Sweden (?) does seem to be an outlier. Think of how such people are still addressed in France, Germany, and throughout Europe. The US is still of that mold. We are an informal society in many ways, but also conservative and counterintuitively hierarchal for the west.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

I live in Denmark but Sweden is the same. Yes Germany is way more formal than the US, you usually don't call strangers by their first name in Germany. I remember when I was younger it was uncommon to even call people at work by their first name in Germany.

[-]

OkTechnologyb@reddit

I just thought of something that will describe the situation in the US well.

The terms Mr. and Mrs. have almost completely gone out of use for any adults to refer to any other adults. (There are a very few exceptions, most of them in certain niche forms of writing, like the New York Times).

However, what all the situations you describe have in common is that they use specialized terms to describe them: Dr. for doctors, Officer and Judge for law enforcement, and Representative, Senator, and Governor for political offices.

The first two groupings especially are still used as "respectful" titles: doctors because most people actually respect them, and law enforcement because people either actually respect them or want to pretend to be. (Some politicians are generally referred to with first names, like Hillary Clinton.)

The US may be casual, but we still have that hierarchal use of non–Mr/Mrs titles. It's also quite normal to hear "sir" and "ma'am" in customer/client situations, particularly but not exclusively in the South.

So we are largely casual, but not in the somewhat radically egalitarian way that Denmark is.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Isn't it still common to use Mr(s) in writing in the US? How do mails you get from the bank address you? Mine just says "Hi FirstName".

[-]

OkTechnologyb@reddit

It's not very common anymore. Generally even the bank would say [first name]. But I did specify writing in my answer, because this is the only place you might see it. Some companies may still use Mr(s) but fewer and fewer.

Do children call teachers by their first names in Denmark? It's certainly true here that most children and teenagers call teachers Mr(s), with some case-by-case exceptions (like an art or drama teacher that kids really like and is more familiar with them).

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Yes all teachers are called by their first name and it's been the norm for decades. Professors will never go by title either. I did notice the police in the US sometimes call people by their last names?

[-]

OkTechnologyb@reddit

Fortunately, I haven't had too many dealings with the police. I would say it's highly context dependent. If they're rushing to your house and ask your name, they would use first names. If they pull you over and look at your ID, they may use Mr(s) just to keep things formal and neutral. Almost certainly in some kind of interrogation or jail situation, they'd use first names. In a courtroom, they'd use Mr(s); the latter is a good exception. Everyone is addressed formally there, except in family testimony or whatever.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

I also noticed using Mr(s) is not unusual in phone calls in the US? Also lawyers and clients often call each other by their last names?

[-]

OkTechnologyb@reddit

Are you basing this on TV shows?

I do think Mr(s) is pretty uncommon in phone calls. I feel like I might hear it from a telemarketer who's probably calling from a non-western country. I wouldn't hear it from another American in any context I can think of now. Of course it's a country of 350 million people who do all kinds of things, but never say never.

Yes, I'd say lawyers and clients would likely use first names with each other for sure. That falls under the Mr(s) situation and is not a specialized title.

Is it odd to you that things change when you cross in to Germany? It seems astonishing that things would be that different just a few kilometers away.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Yea from tv shows. I've also seen tv shows with lawyers and clients calling each other by their last names. What about staff at hotels and airports?

I guess it is but I rarely interact with Germans but it sounds like Denmark 50 years ago. But it seems to me how much formality Americans use varies much more from person to person. Seems like things are much more uniform.

[-]

OkTechnologyb@reddit

I'm having trouble even getting to this comment after seeing your response in my notifications, because this thread is so long, so I'll just respond here.

Isn't "Bob's Burgers" a cartoon? I really encourage you not to put too much credence in fictional programs. No, I don't think a young person in 2026 would call their boss Mr [last name]. But I can see why a fictional show might do that, to telegraph hierarchy and deference quickly. Fictional shows are fictional. They may be somewhat inspired by reality, but they are truly a long way from reality.

I hope you get a chance to visit the US in person someday. It seems like you have a deep interest in the country, and we're only a plane ride away.

It's late there. Get some sleep. Sleep is a foundational building block for health.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

It is a cartoon yes. And yes you are right I better get some sleep, it's 2:08 am here. Maybe I should visit the US one day, never been there before.

[-]

OkTechnologyb@reddit

Staff at airports and hotels would generally use first names. I briefly worked behind a ticket counter at an airport last year, and we used first names with the passengers.

Hotels would vary by class of hotel and region (and even some other subtle indicators of status), but generally first names in most cases. And probably an avoidance of using names at all if possible.

You're right that this isn't uniform. It would be set by individual hotel policy. But an over-reliance on last names with Mr(s) would generally be thought of as cold, stuffy, and too distant these days. In our service economy, people want to come across as friendly. Using "sir", as formal as that sounds, is more common than "Mr. Jones."

But again I'm not saying the latter doesn't happen. The US varies a lot by region.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Also the landlord in Bob's Burgers is called by his last name. Would you say that's the norm?

[-]

soap---poisoning@reddit

Why not ask it the other way around: why is the hospital environment in Denmark so disrespectful?

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Well we address everyone the same way no matter the circumstances

[-]

HeyPurityItsMeAgain@reddit

That seems confusing in a work setting. If you're at home or a party or private life, sure. At work? No.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

The doc might say, I'm Peter and I'm your doctor. Then you know he's a doctor.

[-]

soap---poisoning@reddit

U.S. culture doesn’t have the extreme egalitarian culture that Denmark has. We’re not a hierarchical society like Japan or Saudi Arabia, but we do acknowledge that people in some roles deserve a little extra deference, at least when they are acting in a professional capacity.

[-]

sadthrow104@reddit

I think we are actually super egalitarian in public dressing though lol.

Other countries western or not seem to have a formality that we have completely dropped in the last 20 or so years :P

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

My impression is that Anglos are some of the least formal but the Nordics takes it to the extreme. Using titles even in a work setting would be seen as snobby.

[-]

HeyPurityItsMeAgain@reddit

I don't know what you're talking about. Doctors can't "demand" anything. Calling people by titles isn't "formal" it's respectful or polite.

[-]

C21H27Cl3N2O3@reddit

It depends on the person. A lot of the senior doctors, I always refer to as “dr name.” But a lot of the younger ones will often correct you and ask you to just call them by name. It also depends on how often you work with them. If someone is on your unit regularly, you get to know them better, and you address them more casually.

Same with patients. A lot of doctors are formal with patients they’re seeing for the first time, but will be more relaxed with patients they have an established relationship with.

[-]

sadthrow104@reddit

I’m almost certain that as you do form a lifelong relation with your doc, you probably start calling them by first name too

[-]

messick@reddit

You are watching a fictional television program, which is not real life.

All the doctors and nurses only using each other's last names when referencing each other is not how things actually work. Forcing patients to only use formal titles is certainly not a thing, although the interaction might be quick enough that first names aren't given. I have dozens of doctors over my lifetime introduce themselves by their first names.

One thing not in the show that does happen in real life is non-doctors in an office using Doctor as a full name in the same way as "Mom" or "Dad". "Doctor will be right back", "Doctor, patient BP is 120 over 75" and so forth when a patient is present.

Using Mr/Ms/Mrs/whatever to be respectful in communicating with patients in what might be the worst day of their lives does happen, although a quick "I go by Mike" or whatever changes that.

[-]

Pleased_Bees@reddit

Finally someone points out that it's A TV SHOW.

OP, American doctors and nurses might know each other well enough to use first names in real life. But characters in a show have to be identified because the writers always have to assume that there are new viewers watching, or just casual viewers who haven't memorized every character. If everyone's in scrubs, you have to be able to tell who's who. So it's going to be "Dr. So-and-so" most of the time.

[-]

mistiklest@reddit

Also, doctors have largely ditched the lab coat, so there's not a lot of readily apparent visual indications left for who is a doctor, nurse, etc.

[-]

Bluemonogi@reddit

My experience is that medical professionals have always freely used my first name. I have never been called Miss or Mrs as a patient. I am 51 years old and older than some of them now. I wouldn’t mind a little more formality.

Doctors are usually called Dr. Surname. I would feel weird calling my doctor just Jessica instead of Doctor Smith or at least Jessica Smith. Nurses often introduce themselves to patients with their first name only in my experience. So most of the people you interact with at your doctor’s office, dentist, lab or hospital are using first names. At least that is how it is in my area of the US.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

But why would it be weird to call doctors by their name if you do it with the other people?

[-]

Donald_J_Duck65@reddit

We call them doctor even if we meet them on the street. Many PHDs want to be called doctor even. What else are we supposed to call them? What do you call them?

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

By their first name

[-]

Quirky-Invite7664@reddit

It’s helpful for female doctors to introduce themselves as “doctor.” Because of sexism, it’s common for female doctors to see a patient and the patient will later file a formal complaint that “I’ve been here 2 days and still haven’t seen a doctor.”

Sadly, it’s a big problem in medicine. Even when you introduce yourself as “Hi, I’m doctor x, I’m the doctor who will be taking care of you” (points to the word DOCTOR in big red letters on badge) they still think you’re a nurse, therapist, or housekeeping. Even if they hear the word “doctor” they challenge it - “An actual doctor? What medical school did you go to?”

[-]

Pretty_Hold5454@reddit

In general in US we use formal, and switch into informal once person introduce themself and indicate to call them by first name.

[-]

OkTechnologyb@reddit

This is nonsense for 99% of adult life in the US. It is true for doctors, but not "in general."

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Yea Americans don't strike me as formal most of the time but it's different for some things like schools, law enforcement and politics etc.

[-]

PeaceAndLove1201@reddit

It is being respectful.

[-]

Floater439@reddit

Definitely a big part of that is respect; it is a long, hard journey to earn the title of doctor, after all. It’s also to identify the person as the doctor. A hospital is absolutely crawling with healthcare providers and support staff, so it’s good to have the doctor clearly identified. And some folks - myself included - like to keep things professional in a doctor/patient relationship. They are at work and I am a vulnerable client. It helps keep the boundaries and expectations clear.

[-]

CivisSuburbianus@reddit

Do you call teachers and professors by their first name?

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Yes always

[-]

Rather_be_on_a_trail@reddit

At any age or at a university level? Do 5 year old kids address teachers by their first name in Denmark? At my kids’ school they have the preschool students (age 3-5) address teachers by Miss/Mrs. First Name and older students use Miss/Mrs. Last Name. I think they do that because it’s hard for young kids to pronounce some last names. At a university level I found it was a mix of title vs. no title… usually if the students liked the teacher and it was a younger teacher they would just use a first name. The professor I had that wore a formal bow tie every single day was referred to as Mr. Last Name.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Yes we call everyone by their first name except for people from the royal family

[-]

crinnaursa@reddit

In the US is generally considered too casual to address a teacher by their first name. Some may consider it outright rude. The lower grades you might have a teacher allow their students to call them Mr (first name) But it's relatively rare.

We do have social etiquette in the United States even if we seem informal We regularly use Sir or Mam/Miss when trying to get a stranger's attention.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

But we just use first name without prefix. We never really use honorfics not even in court.

[-]

ENovi@reddit

Then I think you’re just going to have to accept that you’re the odd one out, globally speaking. It’s an honorific title that is common throughout most of the world. Surely you can understand calling someone the Danish equivalent of “sir” and this is similar except reserved for doctors. There’s no punishment or anything if a patient doesn’t call a doctor “doctor”, it’s just a sign of respect.

[-]

CivisSuburbianus@reddit

It's pretty funny to have your entire national culture defined by this egalitarianism then have a monarchy. Unless that has a levelling effect because you are all subjects and equally lowly compared to the royals.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Dunno why formalities haven't been abolished for them but it's the same in Norway and Sweden.

[-]

shelwood46@reddit

What do you call the royal family, royalty generally do go by their first names?

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Your majesty or title + name and then we use formal you

[-]

masoleumofhope@reddit

See this is wild to me, though I understand its common in some places and I imagine it's become more common with time. Kindergarten-12 absolutely not, college was whatever the professor wanted.

[-]

SpiceEarl@reddit

In the US, I’ve had both in college, with a number of professors and instructors asking students to call them by their first name, while others go by professor or doctor, with their last name.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

We do it from kindergarden to university though

[-]

LadyGreyIcedTea@reddit

I called all of my nursing professors by their first names in college. That's how they introduced themselves to us and how they asked to be addressed.

[-]

Accomplished-Fun215@reddit

Yes they do.

[-]

MrLongWalk@reddit

I used to teach US culture in Denmark and Sweden, what you’re describing is true of most of the world, not just the US.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

I know that, also why I said all other countries are way more formal.

[-]

goobernawt@reddit

So maybe the real question is why Denmark, and the other Nordic countries, are less formal.

It's my impression that symbols of status are generally less accepted in those countries. It seems to be frowned upon to try and elevate yourself above others. Perhaps titles like Dr are viewed in the same way?

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

It would come off as snobby using it even in a work setting yes

[-]

SpiceEarl@reddit

It’s common to call someone doctor, if they’re a medical doctor, no matter the setting. However, for those who have doctorates in non-medical fields, some people view it as snobby or pretentious if they use it outside of an academic setting or a professional conference.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

It's odd it's different for medical doctors

[-]

Hoosier_Jedi@reddit

Well, the professor of medieval French literature isn’t making as big a contribution to society as a medical doctor. So them getting fussy about being called doctor makes them seem egotistical.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

But not medical doctors. So even the British doctor Harold Shipman deserved to be addressed with Dr?

[-]

Ok_Win_8366@reddit

exactly, not to mention the time it takes to obtain. 8 yrs of higher education + residency + fellowship for an MD. Becoming a neurosurgeon for example takes 15-18 yrs beyond high school. I have friends that received a PhD by age 26. (Not suggesting that they aren’t both huge accomplishments)

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

Yet they are still addressed like a toddler in Denmark even in a work setting

[-]

Pinwurm@reddit

There’s only a few settings where formality like this is expected.

Medicine, academia, criminal justice and military are most common.

Your doctor is “Doctor Cox”, your nurse is “Nurse Roberts”.

Your teachers are “Mister Feeny” or “Professor Frink”.

Your judge is “Judge Milian”, who you refer to as Your Honor. Your cops are “Detective Paralta”.

Your military personnel are “Private Pyle” or “General Hammond”.

In many cases, it’s common for colleagues and equals to use their first names amongst each other. In the case they are unequal, particularly in military or law enforcement, you use the rank.

If you’re pulled over by a cop on Denmark, you don’t ask “what’s seems to be problem Officer?” When you go to traffic court, how do you refer to the judiciary?

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

No wouldn't call him officer, most of the time I wouldn't need to address him but I would ask for his name if needed. Not sure how judges are addressed there but in court people are addressed by their full names without prefix.

[-]

Throwawaydontgoaway8@reddit

Here you go: r/asknordic post- why’re we so informal with the title of doctor compared to rest of the world

That’s what you’re really looking for

[-]

goobernawt@reddit

Well, there you have it. In America it's considered respectful to use a title when addressing an adult you're not familiar with, Mr or Mrs typically. Doctors put in an extraordinary amount of work to achieve their position and do work that's seen as highly valuable to the community. We acknowledge that by use of the title when addressing them, as a sign of respect.

[-]

Slight_Manufacturer6@reddit

In the U.S. we take pride in our accomplishments and want to be recognized for it.

[-]

JediLincoln14@reddit

Then why are you specifically asking in this sub? The real question is: why are Nordic countries so informal?

[-]

Slight_Manufacturer6@reddit

Because it would offer one point of view to the question.

[-]

MrLongWalk@reddit

The hospital environment is formal in the US because the US is one of those “all other countries”

[-]

SnooPineapples280@reddit

We can ask you why so informal instead? A lot of work goes into becoming a doctor, we are formal out of respect for the title they earned. It makes sense to us just as your culture makes sense to you.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

We just don't use honorifics

[-]

GreenBeanTM@reddit

But why don’t you. We could all just as easily answer with “we just use honorifics” but you’d be annoyed by that answer.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

It was political decision and there was a lot of talk about it in the 1960s. In the end it was decided to abandon it.

[-]

Bootmacher@reddit

It has about as much to do with military culture as corporate. Trauma hospitals and ERs took a lot of their protocols from field hospitals. It's the same reason haute cuisine uses the French brigade system - it carried over well to a fast-paced, high stress environment where instructions need to be clear, responses fast, and results accurate.

[-]

SufficientOpening218@reddit

so right!

[-]

SufficientOpening218@reddit

we consider it not only respectful but informative. patients actually get upset when everyone is wearing the same uniform of scrubs and they cant tell who is a cleaner and who is the chief physician.

most hospitals switched to name badges with huge letters that say NURSE DOCTOR PHARMACY etc, and we purposely call each other by title, especially in front of patients and their families so that the families know who makes decisions.

in the halls and the staff rooms in big, university type hospitals, staff are usually on a first name basis. in small rural hospitals the honorific titles seem to stay in place, but most of my experience was in large hospitals.

source: retired nurse

[-]

Coldfyre_Dusty@reddit

Big name badges or different colored scrubs for roles. I work pharmacy at a major hospital and the name badges are not that large, but all doctors are in navy scrubs with a coat, nurses are teal, cleaning in burgundy, pharmacy in black, respiratory also in black (guess they ran out of colors), etc. Though that may be more for the staff's benefit being able to easily identify critical staff at a glance than it is for the patient's benefit

[-]

SufficientOpening218@reddit

thats a great idea, but would have to be initiated by management

[-]

baalroo@reddit

formality is really just another way to say “ predictability.” In a country that is as much of a “melting pot” of cultures as America, we need formality in serious situations to act as basically a cultural Lingua Franca. Otherwise, cultural differences we express when being casual would lead to a lot of misunderstandings.

[-]

BaseClean@reddit

I'm not sure but I think it's because it's considered a sign of respect. Like doctors are revered because of how important their job is and how many years of training is required so i think it's related to that. It's also a status issue. A lot of times patients and doctors don't have a "close" relationship because they're more likely to be short term. I asked chatgpt and it said: * cultural attitudes toward authority * medical training traditions * legal/liability pressures * healthcare structure and continuity of care * broader societal norms about equality vs hierarchy

[-]

Adjective-Noun123456@reddit

A doctor's put in enough time and effort to deserve at least the small modicum of respect you show by addressing them properly.

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

I guess we don't then but they call us by our first name as well

[-]

SGDFish@reddit

I'm a family med physician (or general practitioner if you prefer) and I generally introduce myself to patients as "Dr. SGDFish," but it wasn't always that way.

When I first got out of residency, I tended to use just my full name with no title. Over those first two years, what I found was that most people still referred to me as Dr. so and so or even just 'doc,' but a few people would use my first name. Invariably, those people would also be the ones to later ask me to do them favors or call in an antibiotic unseen or other things that weren't appropriate without being evaluated first.

So I eventually reverted to using my title to reinforce the fact that this is a professional relationship and there are both boundaries and expectations on both sides of the equation.

I will also add that for female physicians I always recommend they introduce themselves by their title, as they will get mistaken for nurses by patients enough for it to be a problem.

[-]

MarkRick25@reddit

It's just a matter of respect.

Doctors spent a lot of time, and effort to obtain their degree and some prefer to have the recognized in a professional setting.

"I find it quite odd that doctors can actually demand that you call them by their title"

I mean it's not like you have to. Youre not going to get arrested or something if you refuse. Also, there is almost no realistic situation where that would actually even happen. If someone wanted to be refered to by their title, generally they would just ask to be refered to that way, and the other party would do so unless they were intentionally trying to be disrespectful. That doesn't apply to just titles though. Would you not consider it rude in your country if you requested to be refered to by your proper name for example, and someone just kept referring to you by a nickname instead?

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

It would yes. It's just we never address people by title.

[-]

Adorable_Dust3799@reddit

I wonder if maybe the network of doctors in your country is small enough that many of them have met and actually know each other, and the first name habit carries over

[-]

zertz7@reddit (OP)

It comes down to us calling everyone by their first name, we do it with teachers as well.

[-]

wolfpack_57@reddit

In a high-stress environment, you want to know that your doc is taking care of you rigorously. Formality is a reflection of that desire, largely performing for patients who might be on edge. Hell, we went by last names when I was a lifeguard and we all were 19.

[-]

just_a_wolf@reddit

I don't want to refer to my doctors by their first names personally. I like the slight formality/clinicalness of using titles because it distances the interaction from informal ones. A lot of doctor's visits involve slightly embarrassing socially weird situations and information being discussed and I'd prefer just keeping everything a bit formal.

And no this isn't viewed as being snobby in American society, it's just a basic politeness thing here. Most people aren't going to get mad if you use a first name but it's generally more polite to wait to be invited to do so.

[-]

Otherwise-OhWell@reddit

I try to address people by how they introduce themselves to me. If my new doctor says "Hi, I'm Dr. Doe," I'll call him Dr. Doe. If he says "Hi I'm Dr. Doe but call me John," I'll call him John.

[-]

SabresBills69@reddit

the general idea in American society if if you don’t know them you show them respect by addressing them by their last name preceded by a title such as Mr, Ms, Dr.

some fields have heavy ethics rules. medicine is ne of them, where you can’t have romantic relationships with your patients. Lawyers can’t sleep with their clients, professors can’t sleep with their students.

[-]

TiredPistachio@reddit

I have my yearly well visit in June. I'll call my doctor by his first name and let you know how he reacts.

[-]

witty__username5@reddit

Are you basing the entirety of the US medical system off a tv show? A show designed for entertainment purposes?

[-]

GrowlingAtTheWorld@reddit

I think thats a lot of tv stuff. I call my Dr. just Doc…as in hey doc how were my blood tests. And my last hospital stay the nurses were calling me “Little Mouse” cause I was quiet and didn’t bother them much. They wrote their first name on the info board in the room so you would know who to ask for.

[-]

OldBitty95@reddit

They paid/are paying too much for that title, they deserve Doctor. And you don't know them personally. First names are for friends and family.

[-]

MediumKoala8823@reddit

They are insistent on titles in the Pitt because it is an emergency room and people need constant reminders who is a real doctor, a student, and a nurse.

Beyond that the formality towards patients is about showing respect on transactional relationships. More of a service industry thing. You wouldn’t expect a 1:1 specialist or physician to address you by “Mrs.”. They may or may not want to be called doctor if you’re actually going to see them on a repeat basis.

[-]

Jim_E_Rose@reddit

My guess is that as far as a global view goes we are one of the least formal societies around. I think you are seeing one sense of form (addressing somebody by their profession) when it really matters. It’s life or death. It’s the only time though. We don’t say mechanic Mike or bartender Bill. But we will call you Judge Brown or Officer Jones.

It’s best that you treat people who hold your life in your hands with respect.

[-]

Slight_Manufacturer6@reddit

It’s a sign of respect. Same goes for other careers as well.

[-]

Order_edentata@reddit

Medicine is pretty formal here although I am curious about whether there is any difference between the East and West Coast. I trained in Philly and Boston but I wonder if people are more relaxed on the West Coast?

I was definitely extremely formal with my patients in the neonatal ICU during my pediatrics residency. I called all the babies Mr. X and Miss Y. Since they were new people I thought they deserved extra respect.

[-]

No-Lunch4249@reddit

Wouldn't the obvious counter question be why are Scandinavian hospitals so informal? Based on your own post it seems like theyre the outliers

[-]

Comedeorologist@reddit

Until pretty recently, most doctors were regarded as self-employed professionals who just happened to work in hospitals and clinics. They have more years of schooling. They can leave to start their own practice, if they wanted. They didn't spend however many years in medical school to be called "Mr" or "Ms". Doctor. They are a doctor.

We were told to accept this model because of their medical values. Values like professional autonomy, doctor/patient relationships, etc, and that socialized medicine would ruin these things.

Then, private equity firms started buying out doctors, and they conveniently forgot about their values. Never doubt the integrity of a man who's loyalty can be bought with cold, hard cash.

[-]

Spirited-Way2406@reddit

I'm told that part of it is a perceived need to make each speaker's responsibilities and power to make decisions absolutely clear--including the patient's. Joe Smith could be anybody. Mr. Joseph A. Smith (per his intake form) is the patient, who must be informed and seen to on the right schedule by the right people, and who needs reminded in the midst of undignified medical care that his caregivers do respect him or at least fake it well. Dr. Smith is the person who needs to synthesize information from the nurses and his own examination and keep his head in the game at all times; he can be Joe after he goes home and puts his favorite old sweats on.

Public schools (disambiguation: taxpayer-supported open-to-all-area-residents schools) can be another holdout on the formality scale, although of course every district does things its own way. At my school district, teachers and admin staff are Title Lastname; cafeteria and janitorial staff are Title Firstname. This is such a strong custom that my son became Mister Joe the day he started working there, when he was only 17!

[-]

BlazerFS231@reddit

The real answer is that Denmark is famously informal. In the US, courtesy and respect are generally important values.

Addressing a doctor by title and last name is a sort of professional deference to his or her opinion. Same goes for a nurse, a pharmacist, or even a tech.

[-]

angmarsilar@reddit

I've been a doctor for 25 years. I don't "demand" that they call me doctor, but it is a sign of respect. I've told my techs to call me by my first name, but they refuse while in the hospital. (I've only corrected someone in the hospital who called me Mr twice and both times it was because they were being very intentionally disrespectful). I call all of my patients Mr or Mrs (Ms) as a sign of respect. I do not assume familiarity until I'm told it's OK.

[-]

Ill-Daikon-5637@reddit

The 60s destroyed every western nation it seems. No formality, nothing sacred, nothing important.

[-]

jessek@reddit

They didn’t go to 10 years of Evil Medical School to be called “Mr. Evil”

[-]

OafintheWH@reddit

This is the norm in most countries:

Yes, you can call someone with a PhD "Doctor." A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a doctoral-level degree, the highest academic degree awarded, making "Doctor" the correct and respectful title. While often associated with medical physicians, the title historically belongs to those who have achieved the highest level of education in any field, including research, education, and humanities.

[-]

this_curain_buzzez@reddit

This is just a cultural thing I guess. I can’t imagine being like “what’s up Fred my stomach hurts”.

[-]

sdcarl@reddit

It's not normal, just a TV thing. We don't have much of a habit of using names at all. Sure, if you thought about it you would think title, but it doesn't come up in speech. Same with police shows and calling them officer or detective lat name. Doesn't really happen.

[-]

Prior-Soil@reddit

Children in school refer to their teachers as Mr or Mrs in most places. In general college students refer to their faculty as professor unless they are specifically told not to. I work with doctors and I still refer to them as Dr so and so.

So it's not just the hospital environment.

[-]

Tough_Height6530@reddit

I think it is odd that you frame it as they “demand” you call them by their title. There is no demand. It is just the custom.

[-]

Single_Lunch_5671@reddit

To justify expensive costs they have to look professional

[-]

JuneRhythm1985@reddit

My husband works in US healthcare and he refers to his direct coworkers, the nurses, etc. by their first names. All of the doctors are called by their title. It is a sign of respect for their position, period. He works in neurosurgery and those doctors have spent years, DECADES, training and being the best in their field. The only time he’ll refer to a doctor by their first name is if they have personally directed him to do so. And it’s usually the residents.

[-]

freeski919@reddit

Medical doctors worked their fucking faces off to earn their title. So I'm going to give them the basic respect of using it.

[-]

BouncingSphinx@reddit

Family doctors and such it might not be uncommon to refer to each other by first names. Hospital doctors often don't have a relationship with the patient prior to being in the hospital at that time.

[-]

OhThrowed@reddit

Cause the informal parts aren't making it to television.

[-]

ATLien_3000@reddit

Talk to any MD's you know. The Pitt is a pretty accurate portrayal.

[-]

OhThrowed@reddit

Alrighty, I'm wrong then. :)

[-]

jewboy916@reddit

You live in an egalitarian society. The US is not. So titles end up mattering more. The US is still far less formal than many other countries that are way more socially stratified.

[-]

Meattyloaf@reddit

Some of it is out of respect, some of it is because hospitals are treated as customer service due to how our healthcare system works. Hospitals at one point and may still be heavily rated based on patient reviews, which had a big impact on funding among other things. That system played a big part in why the opiate crisis got so bad here.

[-]

RhinoPillMan@reddit

Right? I prefer when my doctor says “What up, dawg? How them balls feelin?”

Isn’t that show a fictional series?

[-]