----------------------------------------------------------------------- Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service & circulated by Goa Civic & Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ph:2252660 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- Not Really Doctors ------------------------- A few days ago, an advertisement appeared in the local press advertising the services of a physiotherapist in Margao. I was really surprised to see that the physiotherapist, who holds only a Bachelor's Degree in Physiotherapy, referred to herself as 'doctor'.
I am a senior physiotherapist myself. I have retired to Goa, after teaching in a reputed physiotherapy college in Mumbai, where I was an associate professor. Never has any member of the physiotherapy department, both teaching as well as students, ever been able to call themselves doctors, precisely because we are not.
A physiotherapist is an allied health care professional who deals and manages various body disorders through exercise and massage. Physiotherapy is a para-medical course which supplements and supports medical work.
We are in no way doctors and hence should not, and cannot be referred to as such. A physiotherapist who holds a Bachelor's or even a Master's Degree or even is a member of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists is not a doctor.
Neither of these degrees give entitlement to the title of 'Dr'. Only if the physiotherapist has undertaken a doctorate in the subject can he/she be referred to as 'doctor'.
The problem in Goa is that everybody wants to have the prefix of 'Dr' to their name. Physiotherapists the world over, refer to themselves as Mr/Ms. It is only in India where there is a dearth of awareness about various professions, can such allied health care professionals misuse the title of 'doctor' and get away with it.
ARJUN DEV BHARAJ, Navelim in a letter to the Editor ---------------------------------------------- The Navhind Times 4/7/03 page 10 ----------------------------------------------
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