I just want to add another thought on this issue - practicing in a small town, I tried to go socially by my husband's (and children's) last name, however too many people knew me as Dr. "X" so it became confusing when I would be introduced as Mrs. "Y". I finally just gave up trying to do it both ways and now go by Dr. "X" pretty much everywhere I go. My kids just accept this as normal - although we do talk about it from time to time - they aren't so much bothered by it as curious. I also feel like I should be allowed to own my accomplishments by being called Dr. "X". After all, my husband is a doc too and he doesn't have to choose between being Mr. with the kids, and Dr. at work. I definitely struggled with it - couldn't hyphenate - as it would be a 19 letter last name - couldn't change to his name fully because we have the same first and middle initials and worked at the same community hospital - so no way to tell which Dr. "Y" you would be trying to page - But, I also feel like our generation has a done a complete 180 on this topic. Does anyone else think that? Would any guy ever give it this much thought?

I did this-I made my maiden name my middle name and took my husband's name as my last name. I am Dr.'X' and Mrs.y". I like it-it gives me some anonymity, we can have our phone #listed. I live in a small town but not the one I practice in. The state med board said it is perfectly fine and legal to do this as long as my maiden name is part of my legal name.

My legal name is both last names. I have kept my maiden name professionally and except for tax forms where I need to put both names, I am known professionally by my maiden name, and to our friends by my married name (my kids are now in college and this has worked for me for many years)

I kept my maiden name because of a promise to my grandpa...the only ones who've ever had a problem with it are my in laws! Gets a little confusing personally sometimes because people aren't sure what to call me but I go by my husband's last name as well. Our kids have my husband's last name. A little confusing to some people sometimes but overall not too big a deal! Doesn't bother me a bit when people call me Mrs. so and so. Besides, I like my Italian maiden name better