Physical Therapy EducationÑChina, India, the Philippines, and the United States: Global Perspectives, Local Implications
The World Health Organization (WHO) Global DisabilityÊAction Plan 2014-2021 calls forÊglobal solutionsÊto meet the needs for rehabilitation services for a projected 1 billionÊpeople worldwide. The physical therapy profession is at the centerÊto move thisÊglobalÊagenda forward. Physical therapy education is the very foundation for the preparation of the global health workforce to assume this daunting responsibility.ÊUsing a case study approach, the speakers will discuss physical therapy educationÊin 3 countriesÊfacing significant population needs: China,ÊIndia,Êand the Philippines. They will describe the convergence and divergence amongÊtheseÊeducation systems and compare them to the United States' approach to entry-to-practice physical therapy education.ÊAs US higher education commitsÊto globalization as the foundation ofÊteaching andÊlearning across the disciplines,Êthis presentation will provide a conceptual frameworkÊforÊphysical therapy facultyÊtoÊdevelop approaches inÊhelping students get readyÊfor global engagement. Faculty play a key role in preparing students for an emerging global health workforce ready to respond toÊWHOÕs call to actionÊby incorporating global perspectives into local contexts.ÊBy exploring opportunities forÊcollaborations beyondÊgeographic boundaries, we will be better able to provideÊeffective servicesÊacross the care continuum around the world.