Since returning to Washington, I've noticed students here frequently referring to their university professors as "doctor." This strikes me as strange, because at my school, the University of Rochester in New York, we always referred to our professors as "professor." I don't think I once heard the word "doctor" precede a teacher's name.
Somewhere along the way I have been taught that the more prestigious title ought to be used, and that since a PhD is typically a prerequisite to attaining the rank of professor, "professor" was the more prestigious title. My experience in law school doesn't seem to shed any light on the matter, because although all my professors were referred to as "professor," none of them had PhDs. (Law school professors frequently only have the same degree they award their students, a Juris Doctorate, which doesn't entitle them to be called "doctor" in common usage.)
So here are the questions for you to answer in comments:
- What was the practice at your school?
- What school did you attend?
- If you are a professor, which do you prefer?