More on the Clinical Doctorate

Abstract

To the Editor: First, I want to express my gratitude to the Editor of our Journal for having the intestinal fortitude to invite all fellow physical therapists (especially clinicians) to participate in an open forum regarding the subject of a clinical doctorate. I hope both Dr Rothstein and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Board of Directors will demonstrate their commitment to this initiative by publishing and responding to the appropriate concerns of the body of clinicians who make professional contributions in patient care on a daily basis. Next, I would like to qualify my comments by describing myself so that my perspective will be totally clear to those who choose to read my comments. I have been a full-time physical therapist for 22 years. I had the opportunity and honor to attend a university that was a bastion of physical therapy mentors. Some of my academic and clinical instructors included individuals that have achieved our profession's highest honors, including clinical, academic, and political distinctions. I have been a clinical instructor/mentor for more than 100 students, have presented research at our national meetings, have been a guest speaker at other national organization meetings, and have published in the Journal. I am very grateful for and humbled by all these opportunities; no one could ask …