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The National Medical Commission (NMC) has emphasized that physicians should avoid using excessively large signboards and should only include their name, officially obtained qualifications, titles, specialty, and registration number. According to the NMC, the organization responsible for overseeing medical education and practice in the country, medical practitioners may acquire additional skills and training in specific areas within their field. However, the use of titles like ‘consultant’ or ‘specialist’ should be reserved for those who are officially qualified in that particular specialty.
The NMC has stated in an e-book on professional conduct for medical practitioners that caution should be exercised to prevent any misleading information on signboards, visiting cards, or announcements. This e-book also provides examples of professional errors and their potential consequences based on real-life cases.
One case cited involves a doctor practicing as a consultant sonologist (a physician specializing in diagnostic ultrasound interpretation) without holding a postgraduate qualification. Although he completed a six-month certificate training in ultrasound under the PCPNDT Act after obtaining an MBBS degree, this training did not authorize him to practice as a consultant radiologist/sonologist beyond the scope of his certification.
The NMC noted that this doctor was performing ultrasounds for conditions outside the purview of the specific certificate training under the PCPNDT Act. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) lodged a complaint in this matter, and it was subsequently referred to the NMC. Following careful consideration, the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the NMC instructed the doctor to commit to not exceeding the scope of the PCPNDT Act and to refrain from using the title ‘consultant sonologist’ in the future.
The NMC expressed concern about the misuse of short-term certificate courses in ultrasonology for purposes beyond their intended scope. They cautioned that this practice could intentionally mislead patients, who may be unable to verify and discern the qualifications, potentially leading to incorrect diagnoses and harm. The NMC emphasized that such unethical conduct could tarnish the reputation of the medical profession and erode public trust.
The e-book also provides documented cases of alleged medical negligence and misdiagnoses, among other issues. The NMC stressed the unique nature of the doctor-patient relationship and highlighted the importance of trust. They noted that a deficit in trust can lead to legal action against doctors, and in many cases, communication gaps contribute to patient complaints. The NMC encouraged doctors to effectively communicate with patients about their diagnoses and treatment plans to avoid misunderstandings, even when their intentions are well-meaning.
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