How to Address Multiple Doctors Sharing a Last Name: Etiquette Guide

When writing to two or more physicians who share a surname, the salutation can be handled with clarity and a touch of professionalism. Choose the approach that best fits the formality of your correspondence:

1. Use Full Names

Example: "Drs. Jane and John Smith,"

This format leaves no ambiguity about who is being addressed and works well in both formal and semi-formal contexts.

2. Use Titles and Shared Last Name

Example: "Drs. Smith,"

Concise and traditional; ideal when the recipients are clearly a pair (e.g., a married couple or long-standing practice partners).

3. Explicitly Note Each Holds a Doctorate

Example: "The Doctors Smith,"

Useful when the doctors do not share a last name but you want to acknowledge their doctoral credentials collectively.

Select the style that matches your relationship with the recipients and the tone of your message.