Why surgeons are called Mr: From the 12th century, barbers also performed surgery, hence the red and white barber's pole (signifying a bloodied bandage - hardly likely to instil confidence!) In 1540 surgeons and barbers were formally united in a trade guild, and to differentiate them from the more respectable profession of physician, they were only entitled to call themselves "Mr" and not "Dr". Female surgeons are either Mrs, Miss or Ms depending on preference. Re: trips to hospital - I am rather more worried that my MP holds surgeries. Once a month apparently!