Eastern Mediterreanean University Health Sciences Faculty Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç released a message for 8 September World Physiotherapists Day. Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç defined physiotherapy as a healthcare profession that assesses, diagnoses, treats, and works to prevent disease and disability through physical means. Physiotherapists are experts in movement and function who work in partnership with their patients, assisting them to overcome movement disorders, which may have been present from birth, acquired through accident or injury, or are the result of ageing or life-changing events.
Prof. Dr. Malkoç added that following the diagnosis of a doctor, physiotherapists apply suitable treatment methods in line with scientific findings and appropriate approaches and play an important role in the planning and operation of the rehabilitative services.
Prof. Dr. Malkoç put forth that with a history of 120 years, physiotherapy as a profession ranks within the top 10 prestigious and most preferred jobs. Stating that faculties providing undergraduate study opportunities in the field of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation are available within the TRNC, Prof. Dr. Malkoç added that the said department produced its first graduates during the 2013-2014 Academic Year. Prof. Dr. Malkoç also provided information about their educational programs which include basic sciences, clinical sciences, vocational courses, research methodology, seminars and clinical practice. Following their graduation from the said program, students are awarded the title “Physiotherapist” and may pursue postgraduate studies at master’s or doctoral level if they wish.
Physiotherapists may pursue employment opportunities at institutions of higher education, units and departments operating under the Ministry of Health, health units of other state organisations, special education centers, sports clubs, private hospitals and old people’s homes. They may also prepare protective exercise programs for healthy individuals. Physiotherapists play an important role in the protective care and treatment of the four most important disease categories which are heart diseases, diabetics, respiratory diseases and cancer.