Every few years, the same question resurfaces within the podiatry profession:
Should podiatrists use the title Dr?
It’s a simple question, but as I saw in a Facebook discussion, it can trigger surprisingly strong reactions. What starts as a professional debate can quickly become emotional, and in some cases, personal.
In this episode, I wanted to step back from the noise and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. Because this isn’t just about a title. It’s about identity, perception, and how patients judge authority.
The Legal Reality in Australia
Let’s start with the facts.
In Australia, podiatrists are permitted to use the title Dr, provided they clearly identify themselves as podiatrists and do not mislead patients into believing they are medical practitioners. This falls under the guidelines of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
So, from a regulatory standpoint, the use of the title is allowed.
Which raises an interesting question:
If it’s legal, why does it create so much tension within the profession?
The Three Common Arguments
When you look at the discussion, three main viewpoints tend to emerge.
1. “You Didn’t Earn It”
Many believe the title Dr should be reserved for those with a PhD or medical degree. There’s a strong sense that the title must be academically earned.
While this perspective is understandable, it’s also inconsistent, given that dentists and chiropractors commonly use the title without the same level of pushback.
In reality, the title Dr has evolved beyond a purely academic label and is often used as a professional signal of expertise.
2. “It Confuses Patients”
Another concern is that using Dr might mislead patients. On the surface, this sounds reasonable. But in practice, patients are usually guided by context. If they attend a podiatry clinic, they expect to see a podiatrist.
They’re not walking in expecting a brain surgeon.
Patients are often far less confused than clinicians assume.
3. The Emotional Reaction
The most revealing part of the discussion wasn’t the structured arguments. It was the emotional tone.
Comments describing the use of the title as “cringe” or mocking colleagues suggest that this debate is about more than just professional standards.
When conversations shift from reasoned discussion to personal attacks, it’s usually a sign that deeper psychological factors are at play.
Academic vs Clinical Expertise
One of the most important distinctions in this debate is often overlooked.
A PhD represents research expertise. It involves years of studying a specific topic, analysing data, and contributing new knowledge to a field.
That is incredibly valuable.
But it doesn’t automatically make someone a better clinician.
Clinical expertise is developed through:
- Treating patients
- Making real-time decisions
- Building diagnostic intuition
- Learning from experience
You’ll find excellent clinicians without PhDs, and researchers with PhDs who rarely see patients. Both play important roles in advancing the profession.
As I mentioned in the episode, A PhD proves you can generate knowledge. Clinical experience proves you can apply it.
The Authority Illusion
One of the key concepts discussed in this episode is what I call The Authority Illusion.
Patients often make decisions based on signals rather than evidence. These signals act as mental shortcuts when choosing who to trust.
Examples include:
- Titles such as Dr
- Wearing a white coat or scrubs
- Clinic presentation and environment
- Online reviews and testimonials
- Media exposure and visibility
These factors don’t guarantee clinical skill, but they strongly influence perception.
Understanding this is important because it explains why titles can impact patient decisions, even if clinicians disagree about their value.
The Three Types of Authority in Healthcare
To simplify this further, authority in healthcare can be broken into three categories:
Academic Authority
Built through education, research, and publications.
Clinical Authority
Developed through experience, patient outcomes, and hands-on skills.
Perceived Authority
Shaped by visual and psychological signals, including titles and professional presentation.
The most respected clinicians tend to develop all three over time.
However, debates about the Dr title often focus on just one component: perceived authority. This is the one that seems to upset some podiatrists.
First Impressions vs Long-Term Trust
First impressions matter. A title may influence whom a patient initially chooses. But long-term trust is built differently.
Patients stay with clinicians who:
- Communicate clearly
- Deliver consistent results
- Build strong relationships
In other words:
Authority may get a patient through the door, but competence keeps them coming back.
The Bigger Issue: Professional Behaviour
For me, the most concerning aspect of this debate isn’t whether someone uses the title Dr, it’s how colleagues speak about each other.
A healthy discussion is part of any profession and is great for professional growth. But when it turns into ridicule or personal attacks, it reflects poorly on the entire industry.
If a podiatry student were reading those comments, what impression would they form about the profession?
Probably not the one we’d hope for.
My Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to use the title Dr. is ultimately a personal and professional decision.
What matters far more is:
- Being honest with your patients
- Communicating clearly
- Delivering high-quality care
Because at the end of the day, patients don’t choose you because of a title. They choose you because they trust you. And that trust is built through what you do every day in your clinic.
If this episode has made you reflect on how you position yourself, communicate with patients, or run your clinic, that’s a good thing. And, if you’d like to have a conversation about your business, your direction, or where you want to go next, feel free to reach out to me.
If you enjoyed this episode of Podiatry Legends, please share it with a friend or fellow podiatrist.