Many years ago, in old England, being a doctor and being a surgeon were very different jobs. Doctors were seen as learnt men who studied at universities. They were called “Doctor” because of their education. But surgeons were more like skilled workers, like barbers. In fact, long ago, barbers even did surgeries! They didn’t go to university, so people didn’t call them “Doctor.” Instead, they were called “Mister” Over time, surgery became more advanced. Surgeons started studying hard and became experts, just like doctors. But even when they earned the same medical degrees, surgeons kept the old title of “Mister” as a special tradition. Today, in places like the UK, after a surgeon finishes their training, they drop the title “Doctor” and proudly return to being called “Mister” (Perth Weight Loss Surgery). It’s a sign of honour and skill—something that shows how far surgery has come. Strange, but quite interesting, isn’t it?
The practice of addressing surgeons as "Mister" instead of "Doctor" originated in England during the 16th through 18th centuries and has remained a customary practice ever since. Early surgeons earned lower medical status than doctors who held full qualifications. Most surgeons during this period lacked university education and provided medical services through volunteer hospitals or small private clinics. During that period surgery functioned as a trade similar to barbering instead of being recognized as a professional medical discipline.
During this period barber-surgeons performed surgical procedures including amputations and wound care without any anesthesia and unsterilized instruments. People suffered from serious infections after surgery because medical understanding of hygiene remained limited at the time. The title "Doctor" belonged exclusively to male university-educated medical professionals because higher education remained exclusive to wealthy families. Becoming a physician was seen as a more elite and noble professionDuring the 1700s, war and battlefield experience improved surgical knowledge. Surgeons began learning more about wound care and sanitation. As more hospitals opened, the need for skilled surgeons grew, and their status in society rose.
By the late 1700s, surgeons were seen as just as important as doctors, if not more so in some cases. In 1800, the Royal College of Surgeons of London was created to train surgeons properly.
Over time, surgeons became highly respected, even earning more money than doctors who had once outranked them. Some men started training as both physicians and surgeons. Still, those who completed surgical training proudly kept the title “Mister” to honour the history of their profession. Today, being called “Mister” is a mark of respect and tradition for surgeons in the UK, remembering the journey from being looked down upon to becoming leaders in medicine (Independent UK).
The British medical system continues to use the term “Mister” as the preferred address for surgeons in its following countries. These include Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Even though surgeons receive complete medical training in these areas they continue to receive the title “Mister” instead of “Doctor” This practice differs from the United States where British medical traditions have declined over time. The healthcare systems of China and the United States do not follow the UK tradition so surgeons receive the title “Doctor” instead of “Mister” just like other medical professionals.
As an Australian patient in Perth you will encounter this time-honored custom. When you hear someone called “Mister” in a hospital or clinic setting you are actually speaking to a highly skilled medical doctor and surgeon. The title exists as a tradition which has been respected for many years. (Perth Weight Loss Surgery).
The term “Mister” for surgeons has multiple explanations but the main explanation is to show honour. The term “Mister” serves as a respectful way to address people in most English-speaking regions. The medical community started using this title to honour the exceptional abilities and education of surgeons.
The title “Mister” probably emerged as a way to distinguish surgeons from other doctors. The hands-on approach and certain skills of surgeons in the past led to the use of “Mister” to distinguish them from other medical professionals.
The title “Mister” continues as a respected medical tradition regardless of its origin. The term serves as a reminder about both surgical history and surgeon dedication. Through extensive training surgeons earn their medical honour which the title represents in the medical field (Independent UK).