When did word Doctor start being associated with medical practitioners?

“Doctors” have always been around, although through most of the ancient and early medieval times they were referred to as healers or practitioners of medicine. Many times, they were not of high standing, although as times changed, the standings of medical professionals also changed with it. Herodotus is known as the “Father of Medicine.” The term doctor first came into usage in the 13th century, after the first two doctoral degrees were awarded, in Paris.

We have derived the term doctor from the Latin phrase docēre, which literally translated means “teacher.” Not all doctors studied medicine exclusively. Many in the ancient and medieval times were also priests, monks, or held other high offices. However, as stated above, some were of lower classes, such as in Ancient Rome, where many of the doctors were freed, Greek slaves.

This meant their standing within the community itself was much lower than those who were born as Romans. While medical knowledge expanded, so too did the standings of doctors through the ages. We see this in medieval times when the only people who could actually afford their services were wealthy patrons.