As a Senior Physiotherapist: Why the ‘Dr’ and ‘PT’ Debate Matters to Our Profession
As a physiotherapist who has spent years in this profession, I’ve witnessed our field evolve from being considered an “auxiliary service” to an essential branch of healthcare. Yet, despite our growth and impact, a persistent debate continues — whether physiotherapists should use the prefix “Dr” and suffix “PT.”
This issue has once again taken center stage following contradictory statements from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Initially, physiotherapists were told not to use the “Dr” prefix, as it was deemed misleading under the Indian Medical Degrees Act of 1916. But within a week, this directive was rolled back for review. The result? Confusion and frustration among both practicing physiotherapists and aspiring students.
Our Identity as Independent Health Professionals
Physiotherapy is not just about exercise or rehabilitation; it’s a comprehensive healthcare science that focuses on prevention, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of physical dysfunctions. Our training spans five rigorous years, including a full year of internship where we assess, plan, and treat patients independently.
When we use the prefix “Dr” and suffix “PT,” it is not to mislead anyone into believing we are medical doctors. Instead, it is a recognition of our clinical expertise and doctoral-level education in the science of human movement and rehabilitation.
The National Council for Allied Health Professions (NCAHP) has also emphasized that physiotherapists deserve to be acknowledged as autonomous healthcare providers. This recognition strengthens our professional identity and helps patients understand our scope of practice more clearly.
Outdated Laws, Modern Realities
The DGHS’s earlier reference to the Indian Medical Degrees Act of 1916 feels misplaced in today’s context. That law was written more than a century ago, during colonial times, primarily to prevent quackery when medical systems were not formally regulated.
But healthcare today is multidisciplinary — it’s not limited to medicine and surgery alone. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, nursing, and psychology all function as independent professions, each contributing uniquely to patient care. Continuing to interpret century-old laws rigidly undermines the progress we’ve made as a modern healthcare system.
Addressing Concerns About Misuse
I understand the concerns raised by some medical professionals — that the use of “Dr” might confuse patients or blur professional boundaries. However, the truth is that ethical physiotherapists never claim to be medical doctors. We always introduce ourselves clearly as “Dr. [Name], Physiotherapist” or “Dr. [Name], PT.”
Patients are smarter and more aware today. They appreciate transparency and are capable of distinguishing between a medical doctor and a doctor of physiotherapy. What matters to them is not the prefix, but the care, skill, and relief they receive.
Why This Recognition Matters
For physiotherapists, this is not just about a title — it’s about respect and representation.
For too long, our profession has battled misconceptions and limited visibility. Allowing physiotherapists to use the “Dr (PT)” title provides a sense of professional dignity and helps bridge communication gaps in multidisciplinary teams. It also motivates young aspirants to take pride in choosing physiotherapy as a first-choice profession, not a backup option.
Moving Forward
As professionals dedicated to restoring mobility, relieving pain, and improving quality of life, we deserve clarity — not confusion — about our professional identity. Whether or not the final verdict allows the use of “Dr” officially, what’s most important is that society recognizes physiotherapists as highly trained, independent, and essential healthcare providers.
Our work speaks for itself, every time a patient walks again, moves again, or lives again because of physiotherapy.
Written by:
Dr. Vijay Guleria, PT
Senior Physiotherapist & Advocate for Professional Identity in Allied Health
