Crossword Genius

Called a person when the doctor was out (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

phoned

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'called' is the definition.
('phone' can be a synonym of 'call')

'a person when the doctor was out' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' could be 'one' and 'one' is found in the answer.
'doctor' could be 'phd' and 'phd' is present in the leftover letters.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for phoned that I've seen before include "Called" , "Rang" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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