In this conversation between Parul Soni (PT), representing MedBound, and esteemed guest Dr. Dhara Sharma. We gain valuable insights into the extraordinary professional journey of Dr. Dhara Sharma. Here in part two, we discuss the current state of physiotherapists in India, the myths related to the profession, and her views as a principal.
Parul Soni: Are physiotherapists just working on a referral basis? Why don't patients walk-in their clinics often? What is the state of physiotherapists in India?
Dr. Dhara Sharma: I don't agree with this. Aware people have now started visiting physiotherapy clinics without referrals in India. There are still a lot of issues in patient education where physicians/surgeons are lacking. They should make their patients aware that physiotherapy is a separate entity. Take the United States as an example, everything is insurance based. The patients have awareness about physiotherapy but if their insurance does not allow physiotherapy they can't afford to walk in into a clinic. Physiotherapy is very expensive there. I must say the state of physiotherapists is improving. We are not there (USA standard) yet.
Parul Soni: The physiotherapists in India are called "Doctors" in India but in other countries, they are not. What are your views on that?
Dr. Dhara Sharma: The physiotherapists in India have to register themselves with the Indian Physiotherapist Association to use the prefix 'Dr'. There have been many debates on this topic. I would rather stay away. There is legitimate information regarding the same available online. I suggest people read it.
Parul Soni: What is your take on ready-made exercise charts and electric muscle stimulation choices given by orthopedic surgeons to take to the physiotherapists to get it done? Is it not disrespectful?
Dr. Dhara Sharma: With all due respect, orthopedic surgeons should not prescribe any physiotherapy after their assessment. If they are referring patients to the physiotherapy department, I suggest just referring them. All the treatments are customized according to the patient and their conditions.
The orthopedic surgeon studies physiotherapy just as a subject during their postgraduate course. Whereas we study everything in detail like biomechanics, gait and muscle energy techniques.Dr. Dhara Sharma, BPT,MPT,PhD
Parul Soni: Are we "Industry-ready", the students who graduate from physiotherapy college? I mean does the college train them to be like that?
Dr. Dhara Sharma: As the Principal, I would say we make sure here at our college that when the students go out as certified physiotherapists, they are "Industry-ready". We train them rigorously so much so that when they go out and start their practice. We don't have to look down upon our profession. There are various faculty programs where teachers update themselves to teach better. So the bottom line is that we are now on track to train our students to be better professionals.
Parul Soni: Can you recall one student success story or an experience you distinctly remember?
Dr. Dhara Sharma: There was a student who did graduation and postgraduation under us in the college I taught. She was a brilliant student. She went to Canada to practice and she called me one day out of the blue to thank me. She said she answered all the questions during the license exam. And how she still remembers all the lectures she took in our college. It made me so happy.