Empowering Global Health through Physiotherapy: Deraya University’s Pioneering Conference

“Physiotherapy Inspiring Better Health 4th Conference”

At the point of revolutionary developments in global health and physical therapy, the Fourth International Scientific Conference of the College of Physical Therapy – Deraya University was held at The conference hall of the Ministry of Health (Princess Fatima Center) next to the stadium in Nasr City, Cairo on Thursday, February 29, 2024, stands as a great seminar. The conference has been sponsored by (NAQAAE), Under the auspices of Prof. Alaa Ashmawy, the President of the National Authority for Quality Assurance of Education and Accreditation and the university’s esteemed president, this conference heralds a new dawn for the integration of physiotherapy into the wider scope of planetary health and well-being. 

The Importance of conferences like these for physiotherapy students

Deraya University commits to preparing physiotherapy professionals who are not just adept in their craft but also stand tall among the ranks of the world’s finest. The conference waves thought leaders and practitioners to an immersive exchange of knowledge and skills, promising to elevate the scientific and therapeutic prowess within the healing touch of physical therapy.

The latest conference was a crucible for innovation, where attendees will not only absorb the wisdom of pioneering research but also contribute their insights into the evolving landscape of physical rehabilitation.
The idea is to stretch the boundaries of traditional therapy and weave in the principles of sustainability and planetary health—a move that recognizes the interconnectedness of human health and the environment.

There’s a noticeable intention to encourage interdisciplinary research, a collaborative thrust that can ignite groundbreaking discoveries at the intersection of various scientific domains. The conference is not just a podium for presenting research but a nexus for developing researchers’ capabilities, urging them to venture beyond the beaten path.

Some words of wisdom and guidance tailored for undergraduate students

During the conference, there was a unique opportunity to engage with our panel of speakers. We invited them to impart words of wisdom and offer guidance to our current undergraduate students pursuing degrees in physiotherapy, enriching their educational journey with expert insights.

Several of them suggested that physiotherapists should Stay Patient and Perseverant, Results in physiotherapy may not come overnight. Be patient with your clients and with yourself. Perseverance is often what leads to breakthroughs in treatment and rehabilitation.

Also Focus on Evidence-Based Practice: Ground your treatments and interventions in scientific evidence and best practices. Stay abreast of the latest research and be prepared to adapt your methods as new findings emerge.

In addition, Embrace Technology: Technology is reshaping healthcare. Be open to using new tools and technologies that can enhance treatment outcomes and patient experiences.

The future of Physical Therapy both in Egypt and internationally.

At the conference, there was an invaluable opportunity to converse with the speakers and request that they share their vision for the future of physiotherapy both in Egypt and internationally.

They told us that the future of physiotherapy, both in Egypt and internationally, centers on a holistic, patient-centered approach enhanced by technological advancements and an integrative healthcare system. They envision physiotherapists playing a more prominent role in preventive care, using their expertise to not only rehabilitate but also guide communities in maintaining and improving overall health.

In Egypt, where ancient practices once embraced the concept of physical treatments, the future could see a resurgence of these values, modernized and evidence-based, to address the growing needs of its population through the integration of traditional methods with contemporary science.

Internationally, they foresee a future where digital health technologies, like telerehabilitation and wearable devices, become commonplace, enabling physiotherapists to monitor and treat patients remotely. Data analytics and AI could provide personalized treatment plans, optimize recovery pathways, and predict health trends.

A cornerstone of the event is the application of core competencies. Effective communication, leadership, and professionalism are praised not merely as skills but as daily mantras for practitioners. The conference serves as a reminder of the profession’s pivot from a human-centered approach to a planet-centered ethos. It challenges attendees to reflect on physiotherapy’s past and re-engineer its future with an eco-centric lens.