Why I think I Should Be Addressed as "Doctor."
Dr. Michael A. Lonardo, PScD, PhD, TND/DNM
Rockwell School of Functional & Holistic Medicine
December 4, 2018
Why I think I should be addressed as "Doctor."
In a nutshell; I’ve earned it. In my short time as a holistic practitioner, I have already won the award of “Best Holistic Medicine in the Triangle" (the area where I practice).
I am making a real difference.
It isn’t that I am arrogant, but I have been taking clients that MDs (psychiatrists especially) have made worse than when they originally came to them.
With a compliant client, I am averaging over 80% success in helping people with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and panic disorders.
For the 20% that are remaining, I change the protocol and or do more labs, and then I realize another 80% of that group.
I repeat this one more time.
If there is no change after the third change in protocol there is no change; I am left with two possible reasons.
The first is they simply are not compliant.
Second, their body will not respond to natural substances for whatever reason.
Getting back to the original question, I also feel with the amount of education I have received and continue to receive it shows an extreme commitment to helping others.
Aside from Rockwell, I have earned the following:
- Certificate “Crisis Response” from NC Dept. Of Health and Human Services
- Certificate “Cognitive & Behavioral Consequences of TBI in Adults” from Greensboro Area Health Education Center
- Certificate “Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury” from Greensboro Area Health Education Center
- Certificate “Primary Care & Traumatic Brain Injury” from Greensboro Area Health Education Center
- Certificate “Crisis De-Escalation & Management for First Responders” from Greensboro Area Health Education Center
- Certificate “Public Service & TBI in North Carolina” from Greensboro Area Health Education Center
- Certificate “Substance Use & Traumatic Brain Injury” from Greensboro Area Health Education Center
- Certificate “Youth Mental Health First Aid” from National Council on Behavioral Health
- Certificate “Mastering Mood & Emotion with Herbs & Nutrition” from Nature’s Institute
- Certificate “Domestic Violence from a Christian Perspective” from Northwest Family Life Institute
- Certificate “Healthcare Provider CPR/AED + Standard First Aid (BLS)” from American Health Care Academy
A medical doctor must obtain between 0 and 50 hours of continuing education per year ("Physician CME State Map," 2018).
I have exceeded that amount by more than three times. I don't think I have the education or expertise as a medical doctor, but I feel the client gets better care.
I also fit the definition of a doctor.
"Doctor" means teacher, from the Latin docere, to teach.
It came to refer to people who had achieved great learning, hence the Ph.D. and Doctor of Letters degrees.” (“UOttawa” 2018)
In short, a graduate from Rockwell has earned the title of “Doctor,” and while some may think it pretentious, I think it simply gives notice to the extreme commitment we provide to help and “teach” others how to live a better, healthier life.
REFERENCES:
McDowell, I. (2014, September 3). Definition Of Doctor. Retrieved December 4, 2018,
from https://www.med.uottawa.ca/sim/data/Physician_e.htm
Physician CME State Map. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2018,
