with their historical role. Another vestige is the use of the title "Mr" (or Miss, Mrs or Ms) rather than "Dr" by doctors when they complete their surgery qualifications by, for example, the award of an MRCS or FRCS diploma. This tradition is almost exclusive to the United Kingdom, Ireland and to a lesser extent the Commonwealth countries of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. This practice dates back to the days when surgeons did not require a university education in medicine and this link with the past is retained despite the fact that all surgeons in these countries now require a medical degree as well as several additional years of surgical training and certification. They no longer perform haircuts, a task the barbers have retained. History A barber surgeon was a person who could perform surgical procedures including bloodletting, cupping therapy, pulling teeth and amputation. Barbers could also bathe, cut hair, shave or trim facial hair and give enemas. During wartime, the barber surgeon served in the army but during peacetime he could practice among civilians. See also City physician Feldsher Elinor Sneshell List of barbers References External links Medieval occupations History of surgery Traditional healthcare occupations