Top 5 MD-less Doctors

Being called “doctor” is one of the crowning achievements for aspiring physicians. We spend endless hours in the library, take monthly exams, and pull many an all-nighter, all for a couple of letters after our name. However, some fortunate individuals were able to bypass the medical school process and obtain the title of “doctor” via alternate methods. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Dr. J – The nickname of basketball legend Julius Erving. As a teenager he had known another player whom he called “The Professor,” out of respect. The flattered player responded by naming Erving “The Doctor,” because of the way he “operated” under the net. Later, a teammate named Fatty Taylor added the letter J (for Julius) and that’s when his most enduring nickname, “Doctor J,” took hold. Dr. J is also an original inductee into the Afro Hall of Fame (see photo).

2. Dr. Dre – Although not an MD, Andre Young presumably got his name as a result of dual PhDs in busting rhymes and smoking blunts.

3. Dr. Pepper – First made and sold in 1885 at WB Morrisons Drug Store in Waco, Texas, Dr. Pepper was actually named in honor of a physician. The store’s pharmacist had previously worked for Charles T. Pepper, MD, an 1855 graduate of the University of Virginia, and took the name for his tasty beverage.

4. Dr. Seuss – The pen name of Theodor Seuss Geisel, the famous children’s book author.

5. Doc Holliday – As it turns out, the legendary gunslinger was in fact a trained dentist. After practicing in Atlanta for several years, Doc became inflicted with Tuberculosis and moved out west on the recommendation of his doctors, who felt the fresh western air would prolong his life.