Celebrating 50 years of impact
Celebrating 50 years
Five decades of rehabilitation impact
Since 1976, the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine has been helping people move, communicate, participate and live well. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are reflecting on the people, partnerships and moments that shaped our journey—and looking ahead to the future we are building together.
Our story
The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine was officially established in 1976, but our story began even earlier.
From the first physiotherapy class in 1954 to today’s programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology, generations of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners have helped shape rehabilitation in Alberta and beyond.
Over the past 50 years, we have educated health professionals, advanced research and worked alongside communities to improve lives through rehabilitation. And we are just getting started.
FRM50 Features
Stories from our history
Explore the people, partnerships and moments that have shaped the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine over the past 50 years.
Our roots
Roots in Rehabilitation
The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine didn't start with a grand plan — it started with a need. Explore the history that shaped who we are today.
Rehabilitation groundbreakers: Paving the way for women in health care
In 1954, seventeen students answered the call during Canada's polio crisis — the first cohort of what would grow into the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.
In 2012 Occupational therapy program expanded into Calgary
A two-year pilot will demonstrate an innovative approach to learning, with OT students in Calgary receiving classroom instruction via video conferencing and hands-on clinical training with 28 weeks of field placements.
More stories are on the way
Throughout our anniversary year, we will continue sharing stories from the archives, celebrating remarkable people and revisiting the moments that shaped our Faculty.
Favourite memories from the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine!
Share your story
Were you a student, faculty member, staff member, clinical educator or community partner? Share your memories, photos or stories and help us celebrate the people who have shaped the past 50 years.
Share your story →Looking ahead
Our first 50 years laid the foundation.
The next 50 will be shaped by bold ideas, meaningful partnerships and a shared commitment to improving lives through rehabilitation. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our story—and to those who will help write the chapters still to come.