Taking titles and naming names - who do we really think we are?

Content Findings from extensive qualitative research employing a range of methodologies are presented. Content analysis elicited the range of podiatric specialist areas, when titles associated with specialisation entered the professional language of podiatry, how titles have been applied and changes to titles over time. Using diabetes as a clinical exemplar, findings from focus group and key actor interviews illustrate the impact of specialist titles. Via a criterion based, purposive sampling strategy informed respondents were accessed; in order to explore and build upon this baseline data, further informants were identified using snowball sampling. Respondents included podiatrists specialising in diabetes, diabetologists, NHS service managers and representatives from government and professional bodies. In addition to the research findings, social theories pertinent to the area of professional titles are briefly presented.