Origin of "Doctor"
The English language history of doctor starts in the early 14th century, when the word was first applied to a select few who likely knew neither bloodwork nor basketwork.
When did doctors start being called doctors?
It has been used as an academic title in Europe since the 13th century, when the first doctorates were awarded at the University of Bologna and the University of Paris. Having become established in European universities, this usage spread around the world.
Which came first MD or PhD?
The answer to "Which of Ph. D. or M.D. was first referred to as a doctor?" is that neither was first, as both D.D. and L.L.D. are earlier. It seems that doctor for both PhD and MD came about the same time: late 14c ... slowly besteading the OE word for a physician: leech.
