The Volyn Regional Rehabilitation Professionals Forum, “Building Opportunities for Community Recovery,” brought together over 130 participants. The event marked an important step in strengthening the professional community, as the quality of rehabilitation services directly depends on the level of specialist training. During wartime, when the number of patients with amputations, neurological impairments, or traumatic injuries is increasing, the role of rehabilitation professionals becomes even more significant. At the same time, rehabilitation after “civilian” health conditions—such as strokes, road traffic injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders—remains equally relevant.
The forum’s agenda was shaped to reflect the most pressing current needs. Participants discussed modern high-intensity gait training methods, rehabilitation strategies following amputations, approaches to diagnosing and treating scoliosis, as well as occupational therapy practices for peripheral nerve injuries. A separate block focused on regulatory and legal changes and on continuing professional development, which are essential for building a sustainable rehabilitation system.
Participants emphasized the practical value of the program and already see how they will apply their new knowledge in their professional work. Trainers, in turn, noted the high level of engagement and genuine interest among attendees.
“The overall impressions of the event were extremely positive. The university hosted us in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the audience represented different professions—a truly multidisciplinary group. What stood out was their active engagement: lively questions after presentations, sharing of personal clinical cases, exchange of experiences, and ongoing feedback with trainers and speakers. Participants were sincerely motivated to develop professionally, discussing current challenges and ways to improve the rehabilitation system even during coffee breaks and at the end of a long day. This shows their genuine commitment and desire for change. Such involvement and readiness to collaborate give us confidence that we are moving in the right direction—toward building a high-quality rehabilitation system at the community and regional levels,” said Tetiana Baryshok, one of the Forum lecturers and Chair of the Ukrainian Physical Therapists Association.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the forum! Together, we are building a rehabilitation system that helps people regain function, independence, and quality of life.
