Physical therapists today work under demanding conditions — and the need for their expertise is only growing. To remain effective, they must not only master clinical skills but also understand how the rehabilitation system functions, recognize the value of their profession, and be aware of the paths for professional development.
That’s the idea behind the “School of the Physical Therapist of the Future.” This training was held as part of the flagship partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the European Union — “EU4Recovery: Empowering Communities in Ukraine” and in collaboration with the “War Trauma Rehabilitation” initiative, implemented by the Patients of Ukraine Charity Foundation together with the Ukrainian Association of Physical Therapists and the Institute of Vertebrology and Rehabilitation.
While the school preserved the overall format of previous years, several updates were introduced. The team of trainers was expanded, and more experts were involved. A new topic — healthcare service financing — was added to the program, offering participants practical knowledge they’ll need in real-life settings.
The school’s curriculum went far beyond clinical training. It included evidence-based medicine, professional development, strategic planning (both individual and team-based), teamwork, multi-level leadership, and professional responsibility. Still, the clinical block remained a core part of the program, with nearly half the time dedicated to musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
The goal was to empower physical therapists to see themselves not just as clinical practitioners but as active players in the system. To help them understand healthcare legislation, be equipped to influence change, make decisions, and become leaders in their professional environments.
“Young specialists often focus solely on technical skills, while lacking knowledge in areas like healthcare financing, legal regulation, professional advocacy, and leadership. Yet physical therapists increasingly take on leadership roles in teams. They need to understand how to manage, how to communicate, and how to advocate for change — whether in their department or in the healthcare system as a whole.
We want the next generation of professionals to see themselves not just as clinicians but as active contributors to the transformation of Ukraine’s rehabilitation system. That’s why the ‘School of the Physical Therapist of the Future’ is more than just a training. It’s a platform for shaping a deeper vision of the profession, its value, and growth potential,” — said Tetyana Baryshok, Chair of the Board of the Ukrainian Association of Physical Therapists and one of the School’s speakers.
This year’s school brought together 24 participants — most of them early-career professionals with less than two years of work experience. Some are still completing their master’s degrees, while others have just graduated.
Among the participants was Ihor Khudoba, a third-year student at Sumy State University:
“Everyone has their own story behind their career choice. For me, I’m a judo master of sports of Ukraine. When I applied to university, I was advised to take the coaching path — it seemed easier. But coaching never appealed to me. I understood the realities of professional sports here, and I felt more drawn to a field where I could make a real difference. When someone comes in with pain and leaves without it — that’s powerful. Physical therapy is about helping people, and that resonates with me. There’s always room to grow, read, research. You can develop in this profession for a lifetime.
I plan to continue in this field after graduation. For me, taking part in this school was an excellent opportunity to deepen my knowledge, learn new things, and meet like-minded peers. Honestly, I didn’t expect to be selected on my first attempt. The experience exceeded expectations — there was so much communication, many new contacts. The atmosphere was welcoming and supportive, no competition or pressure. We discussed not only clinical issues, but also future plans, shared experiences and perspectives,” — Ihor shared.
This School wasn’t just about knowledge — it was about confidence. About realizing that your work matters. And that there are others walking this same path, wanting to make a difference.
Thanks to each and every participant for their engagement. Together, we continue to build a strong, vibrant, and modern community of physical therapists.
