“So, you are not a real Doctor”, I am sometimes told by people, who discount my doctoral qualification and the hard work that earned it. Now, it is an oped in the Wall Street Journal that minimizes the qualifications of Dr. Jill Biden! The author even suggests she not use her title, while officiating as First Lady in our White House.
The questionable opinion piece carries more than a hint of misogyny and promotes the notion that success or ambition is somehow inappropriate in women.
Doctoral degrees are not hand me downs. They symbolize high academic achievement, gained after an arduous journey of blood, sweat, and tears. (Let us leave aside, for the moment, the honorary doctorates that are bestowed by some institutions.)
I am proud of my academic achievements and use my title with pride. I have great respect and admiration for the medical doctors that save lives and keep us healthy. At the same time, I am proud of the important role we play in educating America’s young.
About Hemant Rustogi