Doctor email signature
A physician's signature should make credentials and the right contact route clear, and steer patients away from using email for urgent matters.
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| This inbox is not monitored for emergencies. If you need urgent care, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. |
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What to include
- Name with post-nominals (MD, DO, MBBS, FRCP)
- Specialty and department
- Practice or hospital name
- Clinic phone for appointments
- A short line saying email is not monitored for emergencies
What to leave out
- Personal mobile numbers
- Anything that implies email is a channel for urgent clinical questions
For general rules on length, fonts and disclaimers, see email signature best practices.
Questions people ask
Should a doctor include "MD" in the email signature?
Yes, put your degree after your name ("Aisha Rahman, MD") or use "Dr." before it, but not both in formal settings.
Do I need a confidentiality notice?
Many hospitals mandate one. Legally its effect is limited, but a clear line that email is not for emergencies protects patients. Use your organisation's approved wording.
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