Why bachelor of clinical medicine graduates want the title ‘Doctor’

They said this will ensure healthcare professionals—like BCM graduates—are recognized and empowered to play their vital roles.

by BOSCO MARITA

News15 March 2025 - 13:25

In Summary

Kimani said that in many healthcare settings, especially in rural and underserved areas, they act as primary healthcare providers, just like medical officers (MBChB/MD).
He said their medical responsibilities often overlap with those of medical doctors, yet they do not always receive the same recognition.

Bachelor of Clinical Medicine Graduates Association now wants Clinical Medicine degree graduates to be allowed to use the title ‘Doctor’ as a courtesy title.

A medical doctor is a professional who is trained and licensed to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, injuries, and other conditions in patients.

Some of the professionals who use the title are medical professionals, medical officers (MO), doctors of osteopathy (DO), dentists (D.D.S., D.M.D.), Veterinarians (D.V.M., V.M.D.), chiropractors (D.C.), optometrists (O.D.) and podiatrists (D.P.M.), among others.

The association of Graduates of a Bachelor of Clinical Medicine (BCM) now want to use the courtesy title "Doctor" (Dr.) citing various reasons including professional recognition, career advancement, and societal expectations.

“The Bachelor of Clinical Medicine (BCM) is a rigorous and comprehensive program that meets the fundamental requirements of a medical degree, similar to that of MBBS/MD,” said the Bachelor of Clinical Medicine Graduates chairman, Dr.Ibrahim Kimani.

“BCM graduates are highly trained medical professionals who diagnose illnesses, treat patients, prescribe medications, and even perform surgeries.”

Kimani spoke during the annual general meeting of the Bachelor of Clinical Medicine Graduates Association held at Cardinal Otunga Plaza in Nairobi.

Kimani said that in many healthcare settings, especially in rural and underserved areas, they act as primary healthcare providers, just like medical officers (MBChB/MD).

He said their medical responsibilities often overlap with those of medical doctors, yet they do not always receive the same recognition.

“If pharmacists and dentists—who do not manage general illnesses—can be called 'Doctors," then, BCM graduates, who diagnose and treat patients daily, should also qualify,” he added.

The association’s secretary general, Koome Ndegwa, said the Bachelor of Clinical Medicine (BCM) and the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS/MBChB) share similarities in terms of training, clinical practice, and healthcare contributions.

“In many hospitals, BCM graduates handle emergency cases, chronic disease management, and even assist in surgeries, just like medical officers,” he said.

“Recognizing BCM graduates as 'Doctors' does not mean they are identical and should be converted to MBBS/MD doctors, just as dentists are not chiropractors and pharmacists are not physicians despite using the title.”

Ndegwa added that BCM graduates diagnose diseases, prescribe medications, perform surgeries as per their scope of training, manage emergencies and conduct other medical procedures.

“This is the same role played by the medical officers. If the BCM graduates act as doctors in practice, they should be recognized as such,” he added.

“If dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and optometrists among others can use 'Doctor' despite not practicing general medicine, BCM graduates—who diagnose, treat, and prescribe like medical officers—should.

Felix Oduor, the association’s treasurer, noted that Bachelor of Clinical Medicine (BCM) graduates, with their training in community health, are holistic healthcare providers who treat not just the physical aspects of health but also address the social, mental and environmental factors affecting a patient’s well-being.

“BCM clinicians are trained to take into account a patient’s entire context, not just their symptoms. This patient-centered approach allows BCM graduates to consider family dynamics and cultural preferences in treatment decisions,” Oduor said.

“Thereafter, offer care that is tailored to the patient’s unique needs, which is a hallmark of holistic healthcare.”

He added that embracing a more inclusive understanding of the medical profession enhances professional identities, reduces discrimination and ensures that healthcare professionals—like BCM graduates—are recognized and empowered to play their vital role in improving healthcare outcomes.