re: People with the title of “Dr.” who aren’t doctors

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But why is it treated any different than a PhD? The work to obtain it is the same

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It's viewed different only by those that know the workload, demand level, and self discipline required is not the same. A PhD requires "original" research. A subject or topic that has not been researched, or otherwise MUST expand and advance current theory. The failure rate / dropout percentage is the highest of any degree.

The PhD (D.Phil in many other countries) is the highest, most respected degree in any field worldwide. Anyone who says otherwise simply isn't completely informed.

First professional degrees (through challenging) are almost always taught as a cohort of pre-designed courses many of which change very little from one year to the next. The student continues to function in a scheduled, structured environment.

Complete satisfactory work (as designed) on schedule and the student will complete the degree at a pre-determined future date.

The PhD requires extraordinary independence even when completingsome of the early coursework. Most of the courses require independent research, which is the easy part. The dissertation (USA), called a thesis in most other countries will be more involved and demanding than all of the coursework completed before COMBINED!

The development of the Pharm.D and DPT did more to diminish the value of the doctorate degree than any other degree experience, IMO.

Now a PhD in physical therapy would be remarkably impressive.