I know there’s this whole issue about calling PTs doctor or not. What’s your opinion on this and what would you want to be called?

Since all but one physical therapy program in the US has already switched over to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, and the degree has already existed for at least 10 years, I don’t see the point in people arguing over the title; It is already happening (and has been for several years). If you have the degree, you are a doctor of physical therapy whether you prefer to be called “Dr.” or not.

I think the title “doctor” conveys significance and importance to the field, and helps demands the respect that comes with being involved in patients’ primary care. The title implies the esteem that comes with physical therapists being able to see patients without a doctor’s referral, and signifies that PT’s have the knowledge base to understand when a patient presents with medical conditions outside the PT scope of practice that necessitate a referral to a physician.

So far the biggest problem with the doctoral degree is that many patients do now know it exists or they misunderstand it. Many patients (and friends) mistakenly assume that I’m getting my PhD in Physical Therapy. When this happens, I explain that I’m getting a DPT and that it’s similar to calling your dentist or podiatrist Dr. Neither went to medical school, but both have obtained doctoral degrees in the medical field nonetheless. As time goes by, and with increased explanation by PT’s, people will get more used to the idea.