Türkiye Physiotherapy Day Celebrated with Enthusiasm at IGU

A meaningful event was organized by Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation on April 8, 2026 in observance of Türkiye Physiotherapy Day. The program, attended by approximately 120 students, was opened with remarks from IGU Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) Dean Prof. Mustafa Nizamlıoğlu and Departmental Chair of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Prof. Zuhal Kunduracılar.

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow of Physiotherapy Examined

Following the opening remarks, Prof. Bilsen Sirmen, one of the pioneers of the profession and a former department chair, delivered her presentation titled “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow of Physiotherapy.” Addressing the development of physiotherapy in Türkiye, Prof. Sirmen shared the historical foundations of the profession and her outlook for its future with participants. The attendance of one of Prof. Sirmen’s earliest patients at the session created a particularly meaningful moment, and at the close of the program Prof. Sirmen was presented with a certificate of appreciation.

Current Challenges and Future Vision for Physiotherapists Discussed

Lecturer Nafiz Koparan, Istanbul Provincial Representative of the Turkish Physiotherapists Association, addressed the event and provided detailed information about the association's current activities, academic publishing initiatives, and contributions to field-level regulations. His talk, which also addressed current challenges facing the physiotherapy profession and proposed solutions, was followed with great interest by students. Following a Q&A session, Lecturer Nafiz Koparan was presented with a certificate of appreciation.

Sports Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Processes at IGU

The third guest at the event was Berkay Sarıoğlu, physiotherapist for the Turkish National Gymnastics Team. Sarıoğlu shared his experiences in sports physiotherapy and his work with the national team with participants.

Lecturer Hande Besna Göçen, a faculty member of the IGU FHS Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, then presented current approaches to the prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder injuries in athletes.

Res. Asst. İremnur Günhan from the IGU FHS Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation delivered a presentation on barrier-free sport and the Paralympic field, drawing attention to the importance of sport in the rehabilitation of individuals with special needs and emphasizing the critical role of physiotherapists in this process.

The Importance of Physiotherapy Highlighted by Students

The closing remarks of the event were delivered by Asst. Prof. Hüsniye Merve Demirer, Acting Chair of the IGU FHS Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. IGU Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department students Ceren Yaman and İlksen Feyza Gerali also took the floor, sharing their thoughts and feelings on the significance of the day. Drawing on examples from their own sporting backgrounds in particular, the students highlighted the importance of physiotherapy in their lives.

Istanbul Gelisim University continues to raise awareness in the field of physiotherapy through the events it organizes, events that contribute to students' professional development and strengthen academic knowledge-sharing.