why don't we called doctors ?

[trendytiger]

we physiotherapists diagnose, treat and recover the patients from ailments
then why don't we were called doctors: is it just because we never prescribe medicines, or we do not perform surgeries. In India layman could recognize as only doctors, he can't differentiate as from them. so PT's who do private practice in India declare themselves as doctors, so that a layman can find his way to him. but the doctors in India oppose this , what's the solution for this ?

[physiobob]

The term "doctor" is merely an academic one. It refers to a doctorate, e.g. Phd or doctorate or medicine which in turn is the summation of a large body of work that includes certain requirements. Most programs take at least 5 yrs to be awarded such a title and with many physio diplomas and degrees falling short of that there is no way that one should receive the title.

That said there are physio's in several countries now enrolled in doctorate programs and courses are being lengthened to make this an achievable title. Pity countries like the UK are running fast track 2 yr post grad courses in physio that completely destroy what the rest of the world are trying the achieve!

[trendytiger]

In India we "bachelor of physiotherapy" undertake the course duration for 4 years and 6 months internship . will that do ?

[aziznavii]

we are what we are..we dont care at all its just nothing to be doc or not ..at all we are helping ppl ..who care about other ideas.

[Fyzzio]

Hi,
why would you even want to be called " Doctor" ???
That word doesn't neccessarily have anything positive attached to it, whereas "Physiotherapist" often does. It also indicates that we provide holistic therapy, rather than a quick fix (well, I know, that's a bit like wishful thinking ...).

If you are worried about knowledge of the general public, maybe you should invest more into promotion of our profession.

If you are worried about not bearing an academic title: well, a BSc or even MSc is just exactly what it stands for, nothing else. If you aren't happy with it, as above, do a PhD/enroll in a doctorate programme and write your dissertation. Good luck, because that's really a lot of hard work.

And please don't forget, there is still heaps of countries, where you need a prescription from a doctor to visit a Physiotherapist. And not all degrees are the same.
Cheers,
Fyzzio

[Helena Sp]

being called as a doctor is just a sort of title that in my opinion is not important at all..
the most important is recognition for what we..
and i think we have that..
no one can deny the help of a physio in many conditions..
and as long as we help ppl,all else don't matter.

[sharileedahl]

Not going to answer the poll because I do not agree with the any of the choices. I do agree with some of the points already mentioned. Basically just because we don't have the title of doctor, does not mean we are less trained etc. We are Physiotherapists with a very important skill set and a very important place in the health care system. It is up to us to educate people as to what we do.......changing our title doesn't cut it!!!

[Drew Still]

you get what you pay for

[Drew Still]

Originally Posted by Fyzzio

Hi,
why would you even want to be called " Doctor" ???
That word doesn't neccessarily have anything positive attached to it, whereas "Physiotherapist" often does. It also indicates that we provide holistic therapy, rather than a quick fix (well, I know, that's a bit like wishful thinking ...).

Fyzzio

so you guys are sorta like osteos, yeah?

[Drew Still]

[quote=sharileedahl;22800]Not going to answer the poll because I do not agree with the any of the choices. I do agree with some of the points already mentioned. Basically just because we don't have the title of doctor, does not mean we are less trained etc.


yes it does...