Robotic assisted treadmills. Virtual reality balance assessments. Aquatic exercise programs.
Ten trainees from Beijing saw the latest technology in rehabilitation therapy during a three-week program at UNMC. What impressed them the most, however, was people.
“The therapists’ smiling faces and the patients’ positive attitudes toward their therapy is amazing,” said Zihan “Zachary” Yan.
Yan and the other trainees were a part of the inaugural Summer Physical Therapy Education for Chinese Students Program (SPECS) jointly hosted by the College of Allied Health Professions and the Asia Pacific Rim Development Program (APRDP) at UNMC. This year, participation was limited to 10 undergraduate students in rehabilitation programs (nine physical therapy and one occupational therapy) from Capital Medical University in Beijing, China.
Rehabilitation in China is growing in recognition and popularity. The Chinese government has required all newly established hospitals to have rehabilitation departments in order for them to receive a high ranking.
Physical therapy education also is emerging in China as more medical universities are developing rehabilitation programs. The SPECS program provides participants with an introduction to physical therapy sciences and practice in the U.S., experience in cutting-edge research and clinical facilities, and an international vision that will enable them to take leadership roles and aid in the growth of rehabilitation in China.
“The SPECS program offers physical therapy students from China a unique, firsthand exposure to the physical therapy profession in the U.S., including clinical care and research,” said Kyle Meyer, Ph.D., dean of the College of Allied Health Professions. “It represents an important component of a wonderful international collaboration to prepare leaders to advance physical therapy education and practice in China.”
SPECS students were on campus from July 16 to Aug. 5. They took classes from faculty in the College of Allied Health Professions, experienced rehabilitation research, observed treatment at clinical sites in Omaha and Lincoln, enjoyed living at UNO’s Scott Village, danced at Jazz on the Green and toured the Henry Doorly Zoo.
“We were delighted to establish this exciting summer program with support from UNMC leadership, CAHP administration, PT faculty and staff, APRDP and the five clinical sites,” said Joseph Siu, Ph.D., director of the Chinese MS-DPT program and a faculty member in physical therapy education in the College of Allied Health Professions. “We received great feedback from the participants. I believe the success of this program will lead to more summer programs for Chinese students to learn about PT at UNMC.”