Dr. Siff,
A few colleagues and I have discussed this issue at length and have
decided over the past few months to give these individuals the designations
of M.R.T (Master of Rehabilitative Therapy) or for those outside the U.S.
G.D.R.T (Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitative Therapy).
It was suggested to me that we start with education. By changing the
ed. standards and combining for one large designation we would be able
to then specialize in whatever segment of rehabilitative medicine interests
us.
With specialization's in Neurologic, geriatric, research, sports, etc., every
aspect
of rehab. could be covered. Equally important would be the singular voice
with
which to truly "speak".
Whatever our current designation, practitioners are the embodiment of their
patients hopes, anticipations and desires for health and well-being. We
touch,
push, rotate, bend, instruct, lift, uplift, console, encourage and impact
those who
come to us for help. Regardless of educational bias, those realistic and
conscientious among us research, accept, question, attempt (failure or
success) and push the boundaries of our practice.
Recently, in a U.S publication, a well-known practitioner stated that
the recent "downslide" of therapists is just an adjustment for past
over-remuneration and due to our lack of attention to science. I humbly
suggest
that the current healthcare environment is a difficult one across the board,
regardless of a practitioners scientific proof. I also see many, many people
paying for medical services out-of-pocket despite the almost "un"-science
of a treatment.
These are serious times in the medical community, many of the outstanding
practitioners find their niche simply through reputation and quality of care.
This process lends itself to small almost local regions where certain
experts can thrive and conversely, the most scientifically based therapy
will flop due to community bias.
Any reform, be it educational, reimbursement, practice based or political
is going to claim its casualties. Patient based care is going to put up
a fight and requires serious and aggressive lobbying, realistic reform,
responsible and knowledgeable clinicians and leaders who are willing
get dirty in the trenches with those who are taking risks because they
love what they do REGARDLESS of educational background.
I hope your "vision" is taken with a little seriousness by anyone who
can begin to effect it's change. We are an imaginative and pushy group
by all accounts, it really frightens me to think what could be done
if even a few of us put our minds to it.
Rick May, PT
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