In medicine, one surprisingly heated debate doesn’t get much airtime: Should patients call their doctors by their first name?

It pops up often on medical forums. I’ve seen long threads dissect whether it’s disrespectful, whether it undermines authority, or whether it reflects a cultural shift in how we view physicians. Some doctors insist on “Doctor” as a matter of principle—status, respect, professionalism. Me? I appreciate being called Dr. Nadelson. It reflects the role I play and the responsibility I carry. But if someone calls me “Ryan,” I’m not the least bit perturbed.

My parents named me Ryan. I happened to earn a medical degree. But to my friends, colleagues, and family, I’m still just Ryan.

In the exam room, yes—I’m Dr. Nadelson. The title matters. But outside of that? I’m just me.

I worked hard for the degree, and I’m proud of it. But when a patient uses my first name, I don’t see it as disrespect. I often take it as a sign of comfort—maybe even trust. If that small gesture helps someone feel more at ease, opens them up, or makes the room feel more human—I welcome it.

Some physicians believe we should call patients “Mr.” or “Ms.” followed by their last name. I understand the intent—it’s polite and professional. But to me, it can feel distant. Cold. Like we’re keeping a barrier in place. My patients aren’t just names on a chart. They’re part of my work family. I know their stories. I see them regularly. So if they call me Ryan, I don’t correct them.

Because connection matters more than convention.

I don’t need a title to feel secure in my role. I’m here to listen, to guide, to heal—not to be placed on a pedestal. I know what I’ve earned. I know who I am.

This is personal for many doctors. I’ve seen it spark strong reactions. And I respect that. If “Doctor” matters to you, say so. Set that boundary. It’s valid.

For me, though, I’ve found “Ryan” opens more doors than it closes. Some patients say “Mr. Ryan.” Others use “Mr. Nadelson.” I don’t take offense. I’m grateful they remember my name. That alone tells me we’ve connected.

To be clear, I’m not dismissing anyone who prefers “Doctor.” But I don’t believe anything less automatically signals disrespect—or weakens the physician-patient bond.

In formal settings—team rounds, hospital meetings, academic discussions—titles have their place. They add structure and clarity. But in the exam room, where relationships build over years, familiarity can create trust in ways formality never could.

In many communities, first names aren’t a slight. They’re a sign of warmth. And let’s be honest—we call patients by their first names all the time. Maybe they’re just reflecting that back.

Some patients may be trying to level the playing field, asserting a bit of control in a vulnerable moment, or simply saying “let’s be human together.”

And when they do, it means the white coat didn’t build a wall, the power dynamic didn’t block connection, and it means I’m doing something right.

Respect still matters. And yes, the title “Doctor” carries weight. But respect isn’t just in what people call you—it’s in how they treat you. It’s whether they trust you. It’s whether they listen when you speak.

I didn’t become a doctor to be addressed differently. I became one to make a difference.

So yes, I appreciate being called Dr. Nadelson. It honors the work and the trust. But if someone calls me Ryan, I won’t correct them. I’ll meet them where they are.

Because behind every title is a person. And when patients remember that—when they see the human behind the white coat—that’s when healing truly begins.

And the funny thing? The very platform I’m writing on now is called KevinMD. It uses his first name—not his last. That should speak for itself.

Ryan Nadelson is chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Northside Hospital Diagnostic Clinic in Gainesville, Georgia. Raised in a family of gastroenterologists, he chose to forge his own path in internal medicine—drawn by its complexity and the opportunity to care for the whole patient. A respected leader known for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Nadelson is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of physicians and fostering a culture of clinical excellence and lifelong learning.

He is an established author and frequent contributor to KevinMD, where he writes about physician identity, the emotional challenges of modern practice, and the evolving role of doctors in today’s health care system.

You can connect with him on Doximity and LinkedIn.