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The medical field in India offers various career opportunities for students. Two prominent career options are becoming a Physiotherapist or a Medical Doctor. The question, “Can a Physiotherapist be called a Medical Doctor?” has sparked much debate. Many acts and verdicts have been issued on this matter.
Can a Physiotherapist be Called a Medical Doctor?
To become a Physiotherapist in India, one must complete a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program. After finishing this course, graduates can work as physiotherapists or pursue higher studies like a Master of Physiotherapy (MPT). On the other hand, becoming a medical doctor requires completing an MBBS degree. Upon finishing the MBBS program, individuals earn the title of “Doctor” and can further their education with postgraduate degrees like Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Master of Surgery (MS). This blog delves into whether a Physiotherapist can use the prefix “Dr.”
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Difference between Physiotherapy and MBBS
Many people often ask, “Can a Physiotherapist be called a Doctor?” To clarify this, here is a comparison between Physiotherapy and MBBS.
| Features | Physiotherapy | MBBS |
| Full name | Bachelor of Physiotherapy | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery |
| Field | Paramedical | Medical |
| Duration | 4 years and 6 months (6-month internship) | 5 years and 6 months (includes 1-year internship) |
| Course type | Undergraduate | Undergraduate |
| Admission through | Entrance exam/merit-based | NEET UG |
| Higher education | MPT | MD/MS |
Recognition of Physiotherapists – The Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1994
The Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1994, governs the training of rehabilitation professionals and maintains a Central Rehabilitation Register. A “physiotherapist” is a recognized rehabilitation professional in India. Only individuals with a recognized qualification and registration with the RCI can practice as physiotherapists in India. This act ensures that physiotherapists adhere to RCI regulations.
According to this act, Physiotherapists cannot practice medicine or prescribe drugs without the required qualifications. They cannot claim to be specialist medical practitioners or use the prefix “Dr” in their prescriptions, as ruled by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
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Can a Physiotherapist be Called a Medical Doctor – Supreme Court’s Verdict
The Supreme Court of India has clearly stated that a Physiotherapist cannot call themselves a doctor. India recognizes three major systems of medicine: Allopathic, Ayurvedic, and Homeopathy. Only practitioners of these recognized systems can use the title “Doctor.” Physiotherapists are not allowed to portray themselves as registered medical practitioners by using the prefix “Dr.”
Under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, the Supreme Court ruled that Section 15(2)(b) of the act prohibits anyone from practicing modern scientific medicine without being enrolled in a State Medical Register. There are two types of registration: provisional registration for training and registration under Section 15(1). The “Indian Medical Register,” maintained by the State Medical Council, requires a recognized medical qualification.
The court noted that a person registered in a State Medical Register cannot be enrolled in the Indian Medical Register without a recognized medical qualification. This verdict ensures that each system does not allow crosspathy, meaning one can only practice in the system they are qualified in. Practicing outside this system without the required knowledge is considered fraud.
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Entrance Examinations for Physiotherapists and Medical Doctors
Both career paths require rigorous effort. To become a Physiotherapist, one must complete the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) course, while the first step to becoming a medical doctor is completing the MBBS course.
| Feature | Physiotherapy | MBBS |
| Minimum eligibility | 10 + 2 or its equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 10 + 2 or its equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Entrance exams | Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (IPU CET), National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities Common Entrance Test (NILD CET), Combined Paramedical, Pharmacy, and Nursing Entrance Test (CPNET) | NEET UG |
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FAQs on Can a Physiotherapist be called a Medical Doctor
Can we call a physiotherapist a doctor?
According to a Supreme Court (SC) judgment in 1996, only medical practitioners with an MBBS degree and above can be referred to as 'Doctors.' Physiotherapists register with their council as therapists and cannot use the title 'Dr.' before their names.
Can a physiotherapist add 'Dr' to their title?
The Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) allows its members to use the prefix 'Dr.' followed by the suffix (PT) to denote their profession. However, this usage is not universally recognized, especially in legal or formal contexts.
Can a physiotherapist refer you to a doctor?
Whether physiotherapists can refer patients directly to doctors depends on individual cases. Each patient's situation is unique, and the best course of action varies. It is typically recommended to follow the healthcare system's protocols for referrals.
Is a physiotherapist a medical doctor?
No, a physiotherapist is not a medical doctor. While physiotherapists hold a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) degree, an MBBS degree is required to be a medical doctor. Physiotherapy focuses on physical therapy and rehabilitation, whereas an MBBS degree prepares students to practice medicine.
Can physiotherapists use the title 'Dr'?
In some places, occupational therapists and physiotherapists are not permitted to use the prefix 'Dr' before their names. They must adhere to the instructions provided by physicians.
