PT Stigma and Reputation

[PREMEDWOAHS]

The way things are going, there probably eventually will be a DWM. I can't wait to see DPhleb, DRT, and DPA. Oh yeah, can't forget DES (Doctor of Engineering Services) or DFS (Doctor of Food Services)

You undoubtably went into medicine for the wrong reasons (or at least you portray that). Im assuming your rationale was "I have the grades, and I want the respect." Respect = white coat and MD (in your case, DO)

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[PTapp]

You undoubtably went into medicine for the wrong reasons (or at least you portray that). Im assuming your rationale was "I have the grades, and I want the respect." Respect = white coat and MD (in your case, DO)

Some of my friends wanted to be a medical doctor just for that reason. Reputation, money, and the Dr. title. So if someone else also comes out with a Dr. title, it pisses them off. We've got a fine example of a person like this in this topic imo. This is of course not true for everyone.

 

[DD214_DOC]

You undoubtably went into medicine for the wrong reasons (or at least you portray that). Im assuming your rationale was "I have the grades, and I want the respect." Respect = white coat and MD (in your case, DO)

Whatever makes you feel better about yourself and your career decision. Comments such as these really do not help your profession's image.

 

[PTapp]

Whatever makes you feel better about yourself and your career decision. Comments such as these really do not help your profession's image.

And yours do? How?

 

[PREMEDWOAHS]

X

 

[xMerryx]

Whatever makes you feel better about yourself and your career decision. Comments such as these really do not help your profession's image.

I'm pretty sure PREMEDWOAS was not trying to feel better about his or her (sorry IDK) career chice, is just that anyone can easly assume that from your comments. And I'm also sure we are not trying to change the profession image with these comments, nor we are trying to¨"defend it" from you and your comments. We would do that in the practice. Is just a FYI for you that you seem like the bitter one, and just and advice, you should work on that since you WILL have to work with a lot of different people and I don't think is appropriate for you to tell them off once you graduate (as you wrote in a previous post) after all you will want to have a better relationship with coworkers, from cleaning staff to surgeons or CEO'S or whatever, since the environment can be stressful enough by itself and because is just good manners

 

[IamMDMBA]

Couple of thoughts:

1) For those of you who keep touting how you are completely autonomous...why do you keep begging me for scripts by bringing me lunches and trinkets? Maybe because you need my ok to get paid? Insurance companies make sure I AGREE with your plan of treatment...hardly sounds autonomous to me....

2) The whole "Dr" thing again...absolutely you earned your title, no one argues with that...BUT IN THE CLINICAL setting where the "prudent lay person" assumes a "Dr" is a "physician" will get you in trouble. Most hospital bylaws require nonphysicians to identify their degree precisely for this reason...it is deception and illegal otherwise. Think about it, if you are on a plane and someone asks "Is there a dr on the plane?" are you going to respond or just slink into your seat? My only point is the setting is key, call yourself whatever the heck you want...but make sure you're not confusing people who need medical help.

 

[MinnDasota]

As far as dress code, I do have a white coat. I prefer wearing dress shirt and dress pants. I occasionally wear tie and white coat. I work in an outpatient setting and treat lots of ortho patients.
HooahDOc,FYI... I very seldom walk patients. PT's do biomechanical examination/analysis-ruling out nonmechanical conditions and evaluate mechanical disorders: sprain/strain/connective tissue dysfunction, LBP, neck and other regional pain and treat physical impairments which leads to patient disability. In the nutshell, MD's diagnose and treat pathology, PT diagnose and treat mechanical impairments/ dysfunction. Hopefully, this gives you some idea of what we do as orthopaedic PT. It is however just a generalization, PT's also work in neuro, cardiopulmonary, peds, geriatrics, electrophysiology, animal PT, school system, home care PT, sports, TMJ, vestibular to name a few. We are integral part of the healthcare system. Lots of people gets their quality of life back because of my profession.

Well said.

Let's not forget that there are different settings such as acute, subacute, SNF, and outpatient all of which have their own purposes in reaching certain functional goals for each patient.

And to defend the PTs who "walk" patients in the hallway at a hospital, we have to remember that many of these patients have just undergone some traumatic event (stroke, car accident, major surgery, etc) and have to re-learn how to walk. In my training, I "walked" many people in the hospital. Most of which were spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and post-stroke. All of which required an in-depth knowledge of neurologic and vascular impairments and gait dysfunction to say the least. I only say this to enlighten those who are thinking of entering this field or who are outside looking in that it may inherently look easy to just "walk" someone, but it's not as easy as it seems. This is an aspect of physical therapy that many don't realize the depth of knowledge required. Needless to say, that first step means the world to the patient and their loved ones....

 

[PREMEDWOAHS]

Ill wait for someone else to respond before I throw it down.

 

[Elbrus]

:troll:

 

[MinnDasota]

Couple of thoughts:

1) For those of you who keep touting how you are completely autonomous...why do you keep begging me for scripts by bringing me lunches and trinkets? Maybe because you need my ok to get paid? Insurance companies make sure I AGREE with your plan of treatment...hardly sounds autonomous to me....

2) The whole "Dr" thing again...absolutely you earned your title, no one argues with that...BUT IN THE CLINICAL setting where the "prudent lay person" assumes a "Dr" is a "physician" will get you in trouble. Most hospital bylaws require nonphysicians to identify their degree precisely for this reason...it is deception and illegal otherwise. Think about it, if you are on a plane and someone asks "Is there a dr on the plane?" are you going to respond or just slink into your seat? My only point is the setting is key, call yourself whatever the heck you want...but make sure you're not confusing people who need medical help.

Funny you should mention these points. Yes, we are trying for increased autonomy but that doesn't mean that we are trying to take the MD out of the equation altogether. Even if I see a patient that is direct access, I will try to send a note to the PCP. As for scripts, until PTs can prove the effectiveness of direct access, insurance companies will continue to ask for scripts for reimbursement and coverage. PT and autonomy is more for the consumer and point of entry into healthcare. It's not always easy to schedule an appt with a specialist or MD and may be just as appropriate to go straight to a PT. We have been trained in differential diagnosis and know when to refer out if needed.

As for being called a Dr. I believe it is ok when I am in practice as long as whatever that is asked of me is within my scope of practice. If not in my scope, I tell them to ask their "physician". I spend a lot of time educating my patients and will educate them the difference if necessary. If I'm on a plane and that exact question is asked, I know not to respond because it isn't in my scope of practice. However, since I have been trained as an emergency responder I will assist if appropriate.

Anyways, points well taken. I've had conversations with my father about this as he is an MD.

 

[IamMDMBA]

Anyways, points well taken. I've had conversations with my father about this as he is an MD.

While some here may not like what I posted, none of you can dispute its accuracy. It is what it is.

 

[xMerryx]

Couple of thoughts:

1) For those of you who keep touting how you are completely autonomous...why do you keep begging me for scripts by bringing me lunches and trinkets? Maybe because you need my ok to get paid? Insurance companies make sure I AGREE with your plan of treatment...hardly sounds autonomous to me....

2) The whole "Dr" thing again...absolutely you earned your title, no one argues with that...BUT IN THE CLINICAL setting where the "prudent lay person" assumes a "Dr" is a "physician" will get you in trouble. Most hospital bylaws require nonphysicians to identify their degree precisely for this reason...it is deception and illegal otherwise. Think about it, if you are on a plane and someone asks "Is there a dr on the plane?" are you going to respond or just slink into your seat? My only point is the setting is key, call yourself whatever the heck you want...but make sure you're not confusing people who need medical help.

I actually agree with you in somethings. Yo are totally right, if we need you to get paid and maybe you will refer someone to PT that means we are a team right? That's why I think is not appropriate to adopt certain negative attitude towards a profession within yor team, well any profession but especially within your team. And yeah we will never want to confuse people specially patients, that's why I say it is just a name that we obtained in school, it is a degree. There are many Doctos of X not just MD, so I do not think Pts should be critized for calling themseves Doctors, unless it will be innapropriate and misleading. I mean like I wrote in a previous post, patients will call maybe even a PA doctors because they do not know (most of the time) especially depending on the culture, but they (the HC pros) will have their degree or prefession posted on their door or wall and you could easily see it or they will just put in in the tag, but depends on the person

 

[truthseeker]

Couple of thoughts:

1) For those of you who keep touting how you are completely autonomous...why do you keep begging me for scripts by bringing me lunches and trinkets? Maybe because you need my ok to get paid? Insurance companies make sure I AGREE with your plan of treatment...hardly sounds autonomous to me....

2) The whole "Dr" thing again...absolutely you earned your title, no one argues with that...BUT IN THE CLINICAL setting where the "prudent lay person" assumes a "Dr" is a "physician" will get you in trouble. Most hospital bylaws require nonphysicians to identify their degree precisely for this reason...it is deception and illegal otherwise. Think about it, if you are on a plane and someone asks "Is there a dr on the plane?" are you going to respond or just slink into your seat? My only point is the setting is key, call yourself whatever the heck you want...but make sure you're not confusing people who need medical help.

We are autonomous in the sense that if a doc prescribes a treatment plan that is not appropriate and we follow it, we are responsible. We are legally autonomous in most state practice acts. We are autonomous in that we make clinical decisions every day, we don't just follow prescriptions such as what a lab tech or xray tech, or even a pharmacist does.

I have my DPT but I think calling oneself doctor or insisting upon someone else calling us doctor is simply trying to elevate ourselves to imply the same training that a MD or DO has. That said, you have to realize that we are competitors in the eyes of the public with chiros who DO insist upon being called doctor and they have no more training (arguably less) than we do, they just have better marketing and lobbying so they have imaging prescription rights.

I think it is rare for a DPT to behave like the OP described.

BTW the reason the insurance companies insist that you "agree" with the plan of care is because of the AMA's lobbying efforts. The next time you get a PT note, sign it without reading it because you trust the PT that did the evaluation, think about what you typed on this thread. The next time you bitch about having so much paperwork, thank the AMA for designating MD/DOs as the arbitor of all things health related. We are part of the team, why do you feel so threatened? We refer people to you as well.

 

[truthseeker]

I actually agree with you in somethings. Yo are totally right, if we need you to get paid and maybe you will refer someone to PT that means we are a team right? That's why I think is not appropriate to adopt certain negative attitude towards a profession within yor team, well any profession but especially within your team. And yeah we will never want to confuse people specially patients, that's why I say it is just a name that we obtained in school, it is a degree. There are many Doctos of X not just MD, so I do not think Pts should be critized for calling themseves Doctors, unless it will be innapropriate and misleading. I mean like I wrote in a previous post, patients will call maybe even a PA doctors because they do not know (most of the time) especially depending on the culture, but they (the HC pros) will have their degree or prefession posted on their door or wall and you could easily see it or they will just put in in the tag, but depends on the person

xmerryx, when you are trying to make an intelligent point, it loses a bit of credibility when there are so many spelling errors. Take your time and make your point and spell check please, you make us look like 3rd graders.

 

[jesspt]

1) For those of you who keep touting how you are completely autonomous...why do you keep begging me for scripts by bringing me lunches and trinkets? Maybe because you need my ok to get paid? Insurance companies make sure I AGREE with your plan of treatment...hardly sounds autonomous to me....

I think that this is probably regional, to some extent. Very few of my insurance contracts actually require an MD, DO, or DDS to give me the "ok" to get paid. A few HMO plans, and Medicare, that's it.

Additionally, I'm seeing a few more third party payors actually actually paying attention to evidence-based practice and denying approval for prescriptions for excessive time frames, passive modalities, etc.

Just last week, I had a patient who was referred to me by her physician (a family practice MD) with a diagnosis of Adhesive Capsulitis. When I performed an actual physical examination, the patient actually had a long head of the biceps tendon rupture. Good thing that the patient's insurance is an HMO which required her to see her PCP for an "accurate" diagnosis.

I've attached an article which is a nice overview of the benefits of judiciously utilized direct access to physical therapy.

 

[fallbackplan]

...That said, you have to realize that we are competitors in the eyes of the public with chiros who DO insist upon being called doctor and they have no more training (arguably less) than we do, they just have better marketing and lobbying so they have imaging prescription rights.

This is a very good point...and it is precisely why everyone needs to join the APTA and pay their dues...I know it is a hassle (and even expensive), and the APTA has been less than spectacular at times, but the fact is the more money we have with which to lobby for our interests the greater the benefits we will see in our profession.

I know this has nothing to do with the original discussion (at least directly anyway), but I feel this is probably the best avenue we as a profession have in order to change the way a small percentage of other professionals who see the things we do as nothing more than cheap quackery...

By the way, instead of berating the quacks that we do have in our field (lets face it, we do have some of them practicing...but the same goes with every other health care profession as well...I'm not just singling us out) we should constructively engage these people to better their standards and base their treatments on sound science (...not an easy task...hence the transition to higher standards in education and the inclusion of Evidence Based Practice).

When placing a strong lobbying force with a better and stronger set of treatments based on science and positive patient outcomes we can work to change the negative attitudes that people see and feel about our profession.

 

[soccer31]

I've attached an article which is a nice overview of the benefits of judiciously utilized direct access to physical therapy.

very interesting article... Too bad to see how looking out for the patients' benefits make the hospitals gaining decrease, that is what created this vicious cycle that needs to be broken. Kudos however for the Virginia Mason staff and Starbucks who pressured Aetna to change that.

 

[xMerryx]

xmerryx, when you are trying to make an intelligent point, it loses a bit of credibility when there are so many spelling errors. Take your time and make your point and spell check please, you make us look like 3rd graders.

Sorry, you are right. I don't take the time to read my posts before sending them.

 

[IamMDMBA]

We are part of the team, why do you feel so threatened? We refer people to you as well.

LOL, I hardly feel threatened by PT's and know of no MD's who do...very few MD's in my area are taking on new patients except those with exceptional insurances...so I'd appreciate it if you'd stop your referals...
I think you are confused about the flow of referals and your impact in the overall healthcare system.

 

[MinnDasota]

I think you are confused about the flow of referals and your impact in the overall healthcare system.

Please elaborate. Are you questioning PTs impact on the overall healthcare system? Or are you questioning referrals sent by PTs and its impact?

Let's not forget that what is most important is the patient. As I stated before, we refer to a PCP whenever we encounter something that is not within our scope of practice. Whether that is only one referral or 100, doesn't matter. Just as long as the patient gets the appropriate care.

 

[truthseeker]

LOL, I hardly feel threatened by PT's and know of no MD's who do...very few MD's in my area are taking on new patients except those with exceptional insurances...so I'd appreciate it if you'd stop your referals...
I think you are confused about the flow of referals and your impact in the overall healthcare system.

My post wasn't meant to imply that we refer as many to PCPs as we get, it was only to mention that we are part of your team. Your patients will get better because you refer them to us. You look good (which is evidently what you really want) in the patient's eyes because you recommended the appropriate treatment.

When I say threatened, I mean that there is no reason a hamstring strain rounding third base needs to be seen in your office before PT begins. There is no reason that you should be expected to know liver function AND differentiate between adhesive CAD, diabetes, asthma, you don't need vaccinations, etc . . .) PT is willing to be part of the team but we get SICK and TIRED of medical schools graduating people with giant melons stuck on their necks who think they know more about everything than everybody.

There, now you know how I feel about your pathetic little rant and your one pathetic little experience. I will call you doctor when you graduate but you will have to earn my respect.

 

[IamMDMBA]

There, now you know how I feel about your pathetic little rant and your one pathetic little experience. I will call you doctor when you graduate but you will have to earn my respect.

My problem with your post(s) is your inflated sense of self-worth. You keep trying to make it seem you are an irreplaceable part of the healthcare "team". Yes, it's nice to have someone walk a pt up and down the hall, but is it crucial? Not so sure. I have stopped all referals to PT since this landmark article:

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/339/15/1021

The conclusion, which we teach our students and residents, is chiros and PT were basically equal in outcome to handing out a pamphlet for low back pain. Now you will probably think you're more credible than NEJM but I'll stick to NEJM if that's ok with you.

 

[PTapp]

My problem with your post(s) is your inflated sense of self-worth. You keep trying to make it seem you are an irreplaceable part of the healthcare "team". Yes, it's nice to have someone walk a pt up and down the hall, but is it crucial? Not so sure. I have stopped all referals to PT since this landmark article:

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/339/15/1021

The conclusion, which we teach our students and residents, is chiros and PT were basically equal in outcome to handing out a pamphlet for low back pain. Now you will probably think you're more credible than NEJM but I'll stick to NEJM if that's ok with you.

Yes, that article proves that PT is not needed. Then I guess, the MDs will find the time to work with their patients one on one and will go through the entire post-surgery rehab with their patients rather than spending 5 minutes or less. Yeah, please stop all the referrals to PTs and hand them one of those educational booklets and just hope that they will go along with it. After going to college for 6-7 years, we come out as Doctors of Physical therapy and get paid 1/4th of what an MD, or DO gets paid and we still have to get this crap from the MDs. I always say to my wife that physicians really deserve their money, but this much pride is really hurting your patients.

 

[IamMDMBA]

Yes, that article proves that PT is not needed. Then I guess, the MDs will find the time to work with their patients one on one and will go through the entire post-surgery rehab with their patients rather than spending 5 minutes or less. Yeah, please stop all the referrals to PTs and hand them one of those educational booklets and just hope that they will go along with it. After going to college for 6-7 years, we come out as Doctors of Physical therapy and get paid 1/4th of what an MD, or DO gets paid and we still have to get this crap from the MDs. I always say to my wife that physicians really deserve their money, but this much pride is really hurting your patients.

My apologies, I should specify I've stopped sending pts to PT for Low Back Pain. I do refer for some cases of Rotator Cuff or lower limb stuff.

 

[truthseeker]

My problem with your post(s) is your inflated sense of self-worth. You keep trying to make it seem you are an irreplaceable part of the healthcare "team". Yes, it's nice to have someone walk a pt up and down the hall, but is it crucial? Not so sure. I have stopped all referals to PT since this landmark article:

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/339/15/1021

The conclusion, which we teach our students and residents, is chiros and PT were basically equal in outcome to handing out a pamphlet for low back pain. Now you will probably think you're more credible than NEJM but I'll stick to NEJM if that's ok with you.

You insufferable *****. I hope you don't hurt your back. You might just get what you asked for by treating yourself with a pamphlet. good luck.

Inflated sense of self worth? I do things you can't. I know things you don't. You know things I don't but certainly you don't know everything. Say it with me "I don't know everything"

You based your entire opinion of PT on one experience with an inflated person and transferred that to all members of the profession. Then you read one article in NEJM that was incompletely designed and poof, PT is a waste, jjust walkers of people.

Ask your ortho or PM&R buddies about their opinion of PT.

 

[PTbecomingDDS]

I think this thread is getting a little to volatile. I don't know why there are several MD/DO students on this thread anyways.

I do not disagree with the "Dr." title as this just brings about confusion. I have typed an earlier response to a similar thread where I had a newly graduated PT filling out "physician" insurance paperwork causing me a large headache to correct so I got reimbursed for her services. My wife is a neurologist and she does not refer to herself as a "Dr." However, I have encountered new DPT graduates that like to call themselves "Dr." without stating they are a DOCTOR of PT. I hope we as a profession do not go down the road of the DC as they are now calling themselves CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN jumping it up a notch above the coveted "Dr." title. And, I hope we do not see a drop in PhD's teaching in PT schools, as this has already started.

As for the article regarding LBP, I can cite multiple articles comparing ther ex alone, a pamphlet, manual (manipulation w/in first 2 weeks), and ther ex + manual demonstrating higher outcomes with ther ex + manual...I doubt you can teach a patient to manipulate their own back.

As for direct access, do you MD/DO students feel that a patient require a script to see a chiro? If you have no issues with this scenario, then you should not have issues with a patient seeing their local PT if their back, arm, or leg is bothering them. In the end, the patient will most likely be referred back to their MD regardless (past 30 days or require script for the insurer), so currently this is a moot point.

As for PT's not being needed, I hope you (the random MD/DO studnets on this thread) do not go the internal medicine route as outside of the hospital setting they are nothing more than high priced middle-men/women. My wife always wonders why they are even part of the equation other than running a simple physical, bloodwork, etc. as they refer out when anything is out of the norm (HA then go see a neurologist, chest hurts go see a cadiologist, etc.) and avoid doing any work themselves let alone need an occasional reminder how to do basic evaluations (her words not mine mind you). My point is one can make critical evaluations in any profession, but there is no need to get mean over it. REMEMBER, IN THE END, WE ALL WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR THE PATIENT...EGO, PRIDE, AND MONEY NEED TO BE CHECKED AT THE DOOR.

(I did not spell check this FYI so sorry for any errors)

 

[DD214_DOC]

I think this thread is getting a little to volatile. I don't know why there are several MD/DO students on this thread anyways.

I do not disagree with the "Dr." title as this just brings about confusion. I have typed an earlier response to a similar thread where I had a newly graduated PT filling out "physician" insurance paperwork causing me a large headache to correct so I got reimbursed for her services. My wife is a neurologist and she does not refer to herself as a "Dr." However, I have encountered new DPT graduates that like to call themselves "Dr." without stating they are a DOCTOR of PT. I hope we as a profession do not go down the road of the DC as they are now calling themselves CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN jumping it up a notch above the coveted "Dr." title. And, I hope we do not see a drop in PhD's teaching in PT schools, as this has already started.

As for the article regarding LBP, I can cite multiple articles comparing ther ex alone, a pamphlet, manual (manipulation w/in first 2 weeks), and ther ex + manual demonstrating higher outcomes with ther ex + manual...I doubt you can teach a patient to manipulate their own back.

As for direct access, do you MD/DO students feel that a patient require a script to see a chiro? If you have no issues with this scenario, then you should not have issues with a patient seeing their local PT if their back, arm, or leg is bothering them. In the end, the patient will most likely be referred back to their MD regardless (past 30 days or require script for the insurer), so currently this is a moot point.

As for PT's not being needed, I hope you (the random MD/DO studnets on this thread) do not go the internal medicine route as outside of the hospital setting they are nothing more than high priced middle-men/women. My wife always wonders why they are even part of the equation other than running a simple physical, bloodwork, etc. as they refer out when anything is out of the norm (HA then go see a neurologist, chest hurts go see a cadiologist, etc.) and avoid doing any work themselves let alone need an occasional reminder how to do basic evaluations (her words not mine mind you). My point is one can make critical evaluations in any profession, but there is no need to get mean over it. REMEMBER, IN THE END, WE ALL WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR THE PATIENT...EGO, PRIDE, AND MONEY NEED TO BE CHECKED AT THE DOOR.

(I did not spell check this FYI so sorry for any errors)

IM docs tend to refer everything out because of financial reasons. A pulm doc gets the seemingly simple stuff because it can generate income for him. A neuro gets the HA cases because it can generate income for him. Hospitalists manage the care of the patient, while the subspecialists treat the specific disorders. Does it have to this way? No. Is it always this way? No. At non private hospitals, IM docs do A LOT. Maybe your wife needs to brush up on how things work?

As for what DPTs do, I could really care less. I've seen them utilized to get patients mobile after long hospitalizations. I have zero problem with what you guys do, I have a problem with how you guys, or at least the younger and more recent graduates, present yourselves in the clinical setting. You may have a doctorate, but that does not make you equivalent to a physician.

If you wanted to be thought of as a physician, maybe you should have gone to medical school.

 

[PREMEDWOAHS]

Why did you even come to the DPT forum to post if you could care less what we do. This was supposed to be a conversation amongst PT professionals about the stigma in the field. Not your outside, obviously altered opinion of the career. This thread has blown up into something it was not meant to be thanks to you ignorant comments. I hope you become a better practitioner than mediator.

 

[IamMDMBA]

You insufferable *****.

You've been reported......

 

[truthseeker]

IM docs tend to refer everything out because of financial reasons. A pulm doc gets the seemingly simple stuff because it can generate income for him. A neuro gets the HA cases because it can generate income for him. Hospitalists manage the care of the patient, while the subspecialists treat the specific disorders. Does it have to this way? No. Is it always this way? No. At non private hospitals, IM docs do A LOT. Maybe your wife needs to brush up on how things work?

As for what DPTs do, I could really care less. I've seen them utilized to get patients mobile after long hospitalizations. I have zero problem with what you guys do, I have a problem with how you guys, or at least the younger and more recent graduates, present yourselves in the clinical setting. You may have a doctorate, but that does not make you equivalent to a physician.

If you wanted to be thought of as a physician, maybe you should have gone to medical school.

I really don't think that even a small minority of DPTs believe or behave that way. You seem to overgeneralize here. I specifically tell my patients that I am not a "real doctor" I say it with tongue in cheek but I am making it clear that I don't do what they do. We just ask for similar respect for what we do.

 

[PTapp]

You've been reported......

Good job and a nice comeback!!!

 

[DD214_DOC]

Why did you even come to the DPT forum to post if you could care less what we do. This was supposed to be a conversation amongst PT professionals about the stigma in the field.

So I guess you got a pretty good example, huh? What's the point of a discussion about how you guys are perceived out there in the real world if the only people discussing it aren't on the outside looking in?

 

[PTbecomingDDS]

IM docs tend to refer everything out because of financial reasons. A pulm doc gets the seemingly simple stuff because it can generate income for him. A neuro gets the HA cases because it can generate income for him. Hospitalists manage the care of the patient, while the subspecialists treat the specific disorders. Does it have to this way? No. Is it always this way? No. At non private hospitals, IM docs do A LOT. Maybe your wife needs to brush up on how things work?

As for what DPTs do, I could really care less. I've seen them utilized to get patients mobile after long hospitalizations. I have zero problem with what you guys do, I have a problem with how you guys, or at least the younger and more recent graduates, present yourselves in the clinical setting. You may have a doctorate, but that does not make you equivalent to a physician.

If you wanted to be thought of as a physician, maybe you should have gone to medical school.

I guess you failed to carefully read my post. I basically agreed that using the title "Dr. " can be misleading.

As for IM, I was also referring to non-hospital settings. You need to read more carefully next time. As for generating $$$, I now question your ethics. My wife is aware that this generates cash flow; however, with neurology appointments at a premium where she practices, she does not like to waste her time with patients that can be managed by IM. In a way, some of the cases she sees from IM's appear to be dumped upon her in her opinion given the history and personalities of some of the IM docs. And as med student, I would not compare your knowledge of medicine with a doctor already out practicing...you have way more time to develop a full understanding when you do finally get out into residency and out in the real world so don't get your short white lab coat in a ruffle...

 

[PREMEDWOAHS]

So I guess you got a pretty good example, huh? What's the point of a discussion about how you guys are perceived out there in the real world if the only people discussing it aren't on the outside looking in?

You are a minority of cases. It also doesn't help that your head is in your @$$.
You yourself are a reject. Go get an MD.

 

[bananaface]

While spirited debate is welcomed, fighting and name calling is not. This thread has degenerated to the point where it needs to be closed.