Physiotherapy, often the unsung hero of healthcare, has unexpectedly found itself in the spotlight in Gujarat. Picture this: Rutvij Joshi, the Vadodara Congress president, pointing fingers at Hemang Joshi, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for Lok Sabha 2024. Rutvij Joshi stated that Hemang Joshi is misleading voters by using the title “Doctor” falsely. According to Joshi, only MBBS graduates can rightfully claim the esteemed title of “doctor,” leaving physiotherapists and their associations out in the cold.
This isn’t the first time physiotherapists have faced such scrutiny. In Tamil Nadu, they were once referred to as mere “technicians,” and comedian Rahul Dua sparked outrage when he dismissed physiotherapy as nothing more than an “expensive massage.” Even in popular culture, the portrayal of physiotherapists has been less than flattering, with web series like AARYA dubbing them as “compounders.”
So now let’s clear things up. Physiotherapists play a pivotal role in rehabilitation, aiding the lives of Virat Kohli, Deepika Padukone, Hrithik Roshan, and Sachin Tendulkar in their recovery journeys. Physiotherapists are like the fixers of our bodies and souls. But some say they can’t be called “Doctor.” It’s like saying the heart of healthcare isn’t good enough.
I won’t take up too much of your time, just a brief note on the title. The Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) has stated that physiotherapists can use “Dr.” before their name. So, it’s pretty common for them to introduce themselves as “Dr. [Name], PT” to keep things straightforward. And with that, we can close the chapter on this discussion.
Now, why did I write this blog? Well, I’m not a physiotherapist yet. I’m just a physiotherapy student with big dreams. But I believe, someday, I’ll be an amazing physiotherapist. So, consider this blog my small contribution. You see, I’ve learned that if you can’t light up the whole world like the sun, you can still be a street lamp and brighten your own street.
Stay tuned because in my next blog, I’ll be back on your screens. Until then, keep that curiosity alive.
Regards,
Madhav
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