Proper Salutations for Doctors: Addressing Medical Professionals Correctly

When addressing a physician in writing or speech:

• Formal: "Dr. [Last Name]" (e.g., "Dr. Smith")
• With full name: "Dr. [First Name] [Last Name]" (e.g., "Dr. Jane Smith")
• Envelope/letter heading: "Dr. Jane Smith, MD" or "Jane Smith, MD"

Do not combine "Dr." with other titles (e.g., avoid "Dr. Professor Smith"). For physicians with a doctorate (PhD) who are not medical doctors, "Dr." is still appropriate in academic settings.