Twelve trainees from Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai saw the latest technology in rehabilitation therapy during a four-week program at UNMC. The trainees were part of the third cohort of the 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). The 12 undergraduate students are in rehabilitation programs from Capital Medical University in Beijing, Sichuan University in Chengdu and Tongji University in Shanghai.
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." said Kyle Meyer, PhD, dean of the College of Allied Health Professions. "The program is a vital element of our comprehensive partnership with several universities to prepare leaders to advance physical therapy education and practice in China."
SPECS students were on campus from July 15 to August 9. They took classes from faculty in the College of Allied Health Professions, experienced rehabilitation research at facilities at UNMC, observed treatment at clinical sites in Omaha and Lincoln, enjoyed living at UNO's Scott Crossing, danced at Jazz on the Green, shopped at Nebraska Crossing, and toured the Henry Doorly Zoo.
"With the tremendous support from UNMC leadership, CAHP administration, PT faculty and staff, APRDP and the six clinical sites, we continue to offer the unique SPECS program to 12 PT students from China this summer," said Joseph Siu, PhD, director of the Global Health Opportunities Program and a faculty member of physical therapy education in the College of Allied Health Professions. "The success of SPECS program has been highly recognized by our partnered universities in China. We have students from Beijing, Shanghai and Sichuan this year. This program not only attracts students to UNMC, but also confirms their decisions to apply our DPT program at UNMC in the near future."
"I commend Dr. Siu, the PT program faculty and clinical partners, and the APRDP for their outstanding work. Their collaboration is exemplary and serves as the foundation for the success of the SPECS program." said Dr. Meyer.