Titles & Credentials

NOTE: This is a Health Sciences style that differs from AP Style and University of Arizona style.

First reference: Include degree designations after an individual’s name in all internal and external publications (e.g. Jane Jones, MD, or Jane Jones, PhD). Use only the highest academic degree earned, unless an individual requests otherwise.

Second reference: Use the person’s last name only (e.g. Jones, not Dr. Jones). EXCEPTION: If the communication is written in first-person style, such as a dean’s message or senior vice president message, the preference is to use “Dr. Jones,” as that is how the writer would refer to the individual if they were speaking.

Board certifications should not be listed after degrees unless an individual requests it. EXCEPTION: RN is frequently used in addition to PhD to show a person’s experience in the nursing field.