I don't think that the clinical practice will be very different if a "doctor
of" title replaces the regular title (see the chiropractors and the
osteopaths), but what I do think is that the government's policy of
demanding Evidence Based Practice cannot go without turning the PT schools
into universities and/or providing ample time to do research. Although a lot
is being studied and published already, we now depend on MDs with a special
interest in PT. I know that in The Netherlands there is hardly any
opportunity to do real research, and apparantly it is the same situation in
South Africa: http://www.ptglobal.net/sajp/abst0102.html. I wonder how
things are in other countries, but I don't have much hope that it will be
better.
So, as far as I'm concerned: start with turning the schools into MSc
universities, and enhance the opportunities to do research, both with
respect to coaching and financial resources. That will then automatically
result in more PhDs, which I'd welcome and would find more important than
"doctor of".
Would like to hear your thoughts on this.
R.,
Frank
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