An Event from IGU Illuminating the Future of Physiotherapy: A Roadmap Drawn for Tomorrow’s Physiotherapists

The event titled “A Career Journey in Physiotherapy”, organized by the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), brought together expert figures in the field with students. The program, which took place with the participation of Turkish Physiotherapists Association Board of Directors Chair Physiotherapist Zafer Aksungur and Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Member of Parliament for Nevşehir Emre Çalışkan, offered a multifaceted examination of the current state of the physiotherapy profession, areas of development, and future opportunities.

The Critical Role of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Health Systems Emphasized

Departmental Chair of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Prof. Zuhal Kunduracılar, who delivered the opening remarks, drew attention to the critical role of physiotherapy and rehabilitation within health systems.

Advising students to enhance their professional competencies, Kunduracılar stressed that continuous learning and keeping up with scientific developments are among the defining factors in a professional career.

Expert Figures Share Their Experiences with Students

Guest speaker Turkish Physiotherapists Association Board of Directors Chair Zafer Aksungur addressed key points concerning the protection of physiotherapists’ rights and the development of professional standards. Evaluating the development of physiotherapy in Türkiye, Aksungur shared the steps that need to be taken in pursuit of the goal of reaching international standards.

Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Member of Parliament for Nevşehir Emre Çalışkan, highlighting his own background as a physiotherapist, drew attention to the importance of the physiotherapy profession from a health policy perspective. Noting that the growing need for rehabilitation services further increases the demand for physiotherapists, Çalışkan stressed that young physiotherapy candidates need to develop a visionary outlook in their career planning.

Students had the opportunity to ask direct questions to the experienced guests, gaining detailed insights on career planning, areas of specialization, and current developments in the sector. This interactive process both clarified questions students had about the profession and boosted their motivation. At the close of the talks, certificates of appreciation and flowers were presented to the contributing guests.

A Contribution to Professional Vision from IGU

The “Career Journey in Physiotherapy” event held at IGU offered a comprehensive examination of the current standing, importance, and development potential of physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Türkiye. The event went beyond academic knowledge transfer, providing an important platform that broadened students' professional vision and helped shape their career goals.

Istanbul Gelisim University continues to bring students together with leading figures in the sector through events of this kind, and to complement theoretical knowledge with practical experience.