The following post is written by Josh D’Angelo and Efosa Guobadia
With World Physical Therapy Day quickly approaching on September 8th, we have been discussing how we can play our part in strengthening the profession at the international level. We are currently in Guatemala (Efosa’s seventh trip here; Josh’s second) and will be teaching to, treating with, and presenting on advocacy to students and professionals in Guatemala City at the Universidad de Panamericana throughout the week.
We hope to broaden the discussion, generate ideas, and connect PT’s across the globe through this week’s #DPTstudent chat. We have also launched and will be discussing the hashtag #globalPTconnect, under which we will be live tweeting during much of our trip.
This is a profession that we all love and gives us so much, so trying to create ripples, bonds, and connections seems the next step. Simply joining the conversation will help to spread awareness of international efforts. You never know- you may be the next one traveling internationally and making global connections. Conversations like these is where it all begins.
We look forward to chatting.
Best,
Efosa and Josh
If you would like to read more about Efosa and Josh’s trip prior to the discussion, check out their most recent PT Haven article
I deeply appreciate the enthusiasm in strengthening the physical therapy profession at the international level. I’m sure you’re an inspiration to many PT students and practitioners. I’d like to add two more ideas that I came across when I was searching for similar projects (I planned to practice physical therapy in Africa). Program “Doctors without Borders” (French: “Medecins Sans Frontieres”) offers a very similar experience to students and graduates of medical professions – including physical therapists – in Third-World countries. Another program is CURE International, which has established a presence in over 30 countries by providing the highest quality care for the medical and spiritual healing of children with disabilities and their families since 1996.
You wrote that “This is a profession that we all love and gives us so much…” Programs like these and the one you’re currently on help extend that love for our profession, because it gives us the opportunity to give something to others in need. Here are the links to the mentioned programs websites:
Doctors without Borders:http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/work-us/work-field/who-we-need.
CURE International: http://www.asht.org/international-volunteer-organizations
I can also provide additional information if anyone is interested.
Best,
Natalia Gawin