What is a Doctor?

Many people have the title of Doctor, and there is always debate on what is a "Doctor".

One of the most ignorant and offensive things to assault my eardrums is the misconception that chiropractors are not "real Doctors".

When I ask people why they have this belief, they explain that Doctors can prescribe medicine, and that is what makes them a "real" Doctor.

Many psychologists, professors, Ph.D's, and chiropractors cannot and do not prescribe pharmaceuticals; however, they still have the title of Doctor, for having earned a Doctorate degree.

What is a Doctor?
The word Doctor in latin actually means "teacher". The job of a doctor, long before modern pharmaceuticals, was to educate patients on how to maintain health, treat conditions, and prevent disease. Providing pharmaceuticals is part of providing care, just like a dentist drilling teeth or a chiropractor delivering and adjustment. It has never been the sole purpose of a Doctor, nor the definition of their title.

Thomas Edison once said, "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."

Although I believe that pharmaceuticals are necessary, its the responsibility of every Doctor to use their role to educate patients on maintaining health, and preventing disease, before intervention is necessary. As a chiropractor, and certified personal trainer and weight management consultant, my goal is to help my patients and the public through education, and focus on disease prevention.