Is a physiotherapist medical doctor?

No, a physiotherapist is not a medical doctor (MD). Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in the evaluation and treatment of movement disorders. While PTs are often referred to as "doctors" or "doctors of physical therapy" due to their advanced training and expertise in the field, they do not complete the same rigorous medical education and residency training as medical doctors.

Medical doctors (MDs) attend medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. This typically involves four years of medical school followed by three to seven years of residency training in a specialized field, such as pediatrics or orthopedic surgery. After completing their training, MDs are licensed and regulated by their respective state medical boards.

Physical therapists, on the other hand, attend physical therapy school and earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This typically involves three years of undergraduate coursework followed by a three-year DPT program. After completing their training, PTs are licensed and regulated by their state physical therapy boards.

While MDs are qualified to perform a wide range of medical procedures and prescribe medication, PTs primarily provide non-invasive interventions such as exercise therapy, manual therapy, and modalities (e.g., ultrasound, electrical stimulation) to help restore movement and function. Some PTs may also be involved in patient education, injury prevention, and functional rehabilitation.

So, while PTs and MDs are both valuable members of the healthcare team, they have distinct roles and scopes of practice within their respective fields.