That's Dr. to You: Famous and Influential Women With Doctorates

Former Second Lady Jill Biden received her doctorate degree in Education from the University of Delaware and has been teaching for decades, which means that she is indeed a doctor — whether some people like it or not. 

In December 2020, a Wall Street Journal op-ed column written by Joseph Epstein referred to the former second lady  as "Madame First Lady—Mrs. Biden—Jill—kiddo" before sharing "a bit of advice" about her title. Epstein wrote, "'Dr. Jill Biden' sounds and feels fraudulent, not to say a touch comic. Your degree is, I believe, an Ed.D., a doctor of education, earned at the University of Delaware through a dissertation with the unpromising title 'Student Retention at the Community College Level: Meeting Students' Needs.'"

"A wise man once said that no one should call himself 'Dr.' unless he has delivered a child," Epstein added. "Think about it, Dr. Jill, and forthwith drop the doc."

After many public figures came to her defense, Dr. Biden appeared to address the op-ed by tweeting, "Together, we will build a world where the accomplishments of our daughters will be celebrated, rather than diminished."

Art imitates life! The former Big Bang Theory star didn't just play a scientist on television, she actually is one. Bialik got her PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. 

Maddow, who hosts The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC (and has since 2008) got her doctorate in political science from Oxford University in 2001, which she attended as a Rhodes Scholar. This makes her not only incredibly impressive, but incredibly qualified for her job. 

The chancellor of Germany — who became the first female to hold the title in 2005 — earned her a doctorate for her thesis on quantum physics in 1986. That makes her a doctor, too. 

Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth is not just a combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient or former Assistant Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs — she's also got a PhD in human services. 

She had started working toward her doctorate in political science at Northern Illinois University when her education was interrupted in 2004 as she was deployed to Iraq. She ended up getting a doctorate in human services in 2015 at Capella University. 

The Arizona senator has a masters degree in social work, a J.D. from Arizona State University College of Law and earned a PhD in justice studies from Arizona State University in 2012. 

Rice was the first woman to serve as national security adviser (from 2001 to 2005) and first African-American women to serve as the United States secretary of state (from 2005 to 2009). She earned her PhD from the School of International Studies at the University of Denver. 

Who says fashion and brains don't mix? Prada, who is the co-chief executive and co-creative director of the eponymous brand, and the creative director of Miu Miu, earned a PhD in political science from the University of Milan before transforming the family business into a fashion empire. 

Before she was the United States' first female secretary of state, Albright got her doctorate degree in public law and government from Columbia University in 1976. 

In the words of The Real Housewives of Potomac's Dr. Wendy Osefo: "Address me correctly, sweetie." The Bravo personality earned a PhD in public affairs and community development from Rutgers University-Camden.