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The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Western Australia will be submitting for accreditation a new professional doctorate, Doctor of Podiatric Surgery and, hence, those future graduates will be able to assume the title of 'Doctor'.
Peter Scottney-Turbill
Last edited by scottneyturbill : 23rd July 2007 at 11:54 PM.
Reason: duplication of word
The Podiatry course in the USA consists of surgical training and hence over there Podiatrists are Doctors (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine).
In Australia and I would imagine in the UK the only way to achieve the status of Doctor would be to undertake a PhD in Podiatry.
I hope that cleared things up for you.
Tracy
Hi Traceyd,
I have to slightly dispute your comment.
Firstly the US "DPM" qualification is more-or-less equal to our BSc plus a Post-Graduate Diploma (approx 4years), most US Pod's will tell you that even after Graduation, they require futher Surgical Training/Education before they can be fellows of the relevant College, up to 3 years in fact. So, it really isn't down to the Basic Qualification or Surgical Training that they inherit the Title "Doctor". I would argue that the ONLY country in the world that awards a degree entitled DPM is in fact the USA.
The title "Doctor" is truely only for those with a PH.D,one Minister of Religion I know has MORE right to use it than my GP (More Tertiary qualifications). However Medical practitioners, Dentists, Chiropractors etc have adopted it as an Honorary Title. Certain states of Australia, (and I guess the Country's of the World) have no restriction on the Title and you can use it PROVIDED you don't make yourself out to be say a Medical Practitioner when you aren't.
I have dear colleagues who are Podiatric Surgeons in Australia with Far, Far, Far greater training / education than most GP's/Vet's etc who do not insist on the title "Doctor".
Having said all of this, I think the average Podiatrist has at least as much call on the Honorary title "Doctor" as a Chiropractor or Vet or Osteopath....
Well that's my "rant" over with...I think I need to lie down
__________________
A bientot...
Julian
Podiatrist-at-large
Quote:
Let him who is without sin , cast the first stone...
this is the policy on the Podiatrists Registration Board of Victoria website. though it has been reviewed slightly with the introduction of the new HPRA, but not updated on the website.
Quote:
Title of ‘Doctor’
A registered podiatrist may use the professional title of doctor, provided the podiatrist can demonstrate appropriate and relevant qualifications.
Such qualifications would include a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Professional Doctorate (in a field relevant to the practise of podiatry), or where the title "Dr" is bestowed by a recognised podiatric / specialist / medical institution such as the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons.
A registered podiatrist must not use the title of doctor in a manner that may be misleading. In the event that the title of doctor does not relate directly to the practise of podiatry, this must be made clear in all forms of correspondence and advertising.
Though in some other states the title is more restricted.
For interest sake, with the University of Melbourne changing to just 6 undergraduate programs next year, and the need for post grad qualification to practice in many disciplines, Physios will do a 3 year UG plus a 3 yr PG, and be awarded the degree of Dr of Physiotherapy. This may also be the case for Lawyers who will complete a Juris Doctor. For more info see The Melbourne Model
__________________ Stephen Tucker Eastern Health
Podiatry Manager
Generally here in the UK and NZ and OZ, the title of 'Dr' is seen to be restricted to those who hold a confirmed 'Doctorate'. It is worthwhile remembering that (in the UK) a University holds a right bestowed upon them from the Privy Council and as a result are awarded a 'Soverign Charter' to elevate the candidate to 'Doctor' (meaning teacher) after a defence of a thesis or similar. Its a bit like a queens commision for a military officer. To style yourself 'major' if not a holder of a commision is a little presumptuous.
Medical practitoners and the like who do not hold a doctorate(remember that many do hold a PhD or MD) are using the title in a very diferent context, that is to 'doctor' or 'fix' someting. They cannot assert to be a 'doctor' of medicine unless in fact they are one!
There are some execptions, Vets, dentists and the like although I understand that most vets title themself 'Mr' or otherwise, Dentists started as 'Mr' and went to 'Dr' although I understand many are re-verting to 'Mr' again.
The simple rule is not to mislead. You cannot imply that you are a 'registered medical practitioner'. This however should also not be construed as you not being medically trained- you are and you should defend this right. There are many legitimate permiations on the use of Doctor. My sugestion is that people follow aroute of Doctor of Podiatry or similar. Perhaps our own societies should look into this as a 'granted' title on completion of extra training? The UK Chiropractors are granted the 'Dr' after receipt of a BSc and then an extra 2 years of intern training. (please correct if wrong).
BTW our USA colleagues who do hold a Doctorate is because they do Podiatry at grad school after a BSc, where we tend to enter Pod school straight from secondary school. It isnt a lot different, just awarded at a higher level and it is very appropriate for there society where all medical practitioners are 'Dr' of one sort or another. The other difference is that they are registered as a physician which we are not. Very lucky for them. (again, no offence intended if I have this wrong)
Simply, either do a Doctorate or have your society or organisation endorce the title in a meaningful way. Just dont go it alone. There may be trouble ahead!
Sincerely
Dr Cam
Doctor of Medical Science (podiatric Surgery) -University of Ulster 2005
In the UK the law is anyone can use "doctor" as a title. That is why chiropractors do it - because they can! no-one can stop them and their professional body encourages them. For them to do so has nothing to do with their training pre or post registration.
I agree its misleading and presumptious but thats the facts. Only pretending to be a registered medical practitioner is illegal.
Thanks everyone for clearing this matter up for me, of course I knew I was right in saying it is not a true title, so I can give further advice to these doubting thomas` how long does a phD take so they can stop getting on my nerves and get on with it!! :(
Generally here in the UK and NZ and OZ, the title of 'Dr' is seen to be restricted to those who hold a confirmed 'Doctorate'. It is worthwhile remembering that (in the UK) a University holds a right bestowed upon them from the Privy Council and as a result are awarded a 'Soverign Charter' to elevate the candidate to 'Doctor' (meaning teacher) after a defence of a thesis or similar. Its a bit like a queens commision for a military officer. To style yourself 'major' if not a holder of a commision is a little presumptuous.
Medical practitoners and the like who do not hold a doctorate(remember that many do hold a PhD or MD) are using the title in a very diferent context, that is to 'doctor' or 'fix' someting. They cannot assert to be a 'doctor' of medicine unless in fact they are one!
There are some execptions, Vets, dentists and the like although I understand that most vets title themself 'Mr' or otherwise, Dentists started as 'Mr' and went to 'Dr' although I understand many are re-verting to 'Mr' again.
The simple rule is not to mislead. You cannot imply that you are a 'registered medical practitioner'. This however should also not be construed as you not being medically trained- you are and you should defend this right. There are many legitimate permiations on the use of Doctor. My sugestion is that people follow aroute of Doctor of Podiatry or similar. Perhaps our own societies should look into this as a 'granted' title on completion of extra training? The UK Chiropractors are granted the 'Dr' after receipt of a BSc and then an extra 2 years of intern training. (please correct if wrong).
BTW our USA colleagues who do hold a Doctorate is because they do Podiatry at grad school after a BSc, where we tend to enter Pod school straight from secondary school. It isnt a lot different, just awarded at a higher level and it is very appropriate for there society where all medical practitioners are 'Dr' of one sort or another. The other difference is that they are registered as a physician which we are not. Very lucky for them. (again, no offence intended if I have this wrong)
Simply, either do a Doctorate or have your society or organisation endorce the title in a meaningful way. Just dont go it alone. There may be trouble ahead!
Sincerely
Dr Cam
Doctor of Medical Science (podiatric Surgery) -University of Ulster 2005
Well reasoned and argued Dr Cam ! In the state of Australia I currently live...Medical Practitioners kindly permit the Honorary title of Doctor for themselves and Dentists....but they're not sure if Ph.D 's really deserve it as much as they do
BTW I used to live In N.Ireland (Holywood to be exact)...great people...shame 'bout the weather
__________________
A bientot...
Julian
Podiatrist-at-large
Quote:
Let him who is without sin , cast the first stone...
In Queensland, the "Use of Title Dr" legislation was up for r/v about 18mths ago, Chiropractors tried to get other Allied Health Professionals on board to fight the legislation but without our help the legislation was successfully changed, and the Use of title Dr became a privilege of holders of a PhD, or a dentistry or medical degree. It has nothing to do with postgraduate medical studies (i.e. JCU UNDERGRADUATE medicine degree), rather what is in the legislation. This is the first time it has become illegal in Qld for chiros, pods, physios etc to use the Dr title.
Oh, and dont kid yourself, unless you are doing your PhD postgraduate studies dont let you use the title, 90% of chiros in Qld have a Masters qualification minimum.
In Queensland, the "Use of Title Dr" legislation was up for r/v about 18mths ago, Chiropractors tried to get other Allied Health Professionals on board to fight the legislation but without our help the legislation was successfully changed, and the Use of title Dr became a privilege of holders of a PhD, or a dentistry or medical degree. It has nothing to do with postgraduate medical studies (i.e. JCU UNDERGRADUATE medicine degree), rather what is in the legislation. This is the first time it has become illegal in Qld for chiros, pods, physios etc to use the Dr title.
Oh, and dont kid yourself, unless you are doing your PhD postgraduate studies dont let you use the title, 90% of chiros in Qld have a Masters qualification minimum.
Yes, well its hard to believe the logo on my Car Licence Plate reads..."Queensland, The Smart State"....now where's that Can of Black Spray I have?
As to the Chiro's...can't really fault them for resisting (even now) dumb legislation. Australian's are meant to be for a "Fair Go for all"...Queenslanders are meant to be laid-back too? Just don't tread on The Medico-Dental toes
__________________
A bientot...
Julian
Podiatrist-at-large
Quote:
Let him who is without sin , cast the first stone...
Use of Doctor title
Re: Use of Doctor title
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