May is Physical Therapy Month

May is Physical Therapy Month

May is National Physiotherapy Month. As the signs of spring begin to emerge, please join me in celebrating the many members of our profession who, on a daily basis, positively impact many lives in our community. 

In 1954, responding to the vast number of people affected by the polio epidemic, the University of Alberta enrolled 18 students in a 20-month diploma training program for physiotherapists. We have now graduated over 2300 physical therapists who play a critical role in helping people of all ages and abilities to improve their quality of life.

The Department of Physical Therapy is committed to elevating the profession by creating:

• A diverse and inclusive environment,
• developing and strengthening the teaching of our future colleagues,
•  fostering partnerships within and across the university, nurturing, establishing and expanding our impact with our community partners and stakeholder, and
• enhancing research and knowledge translation/implementation to help meet the health needs of Albertans and all Canadians.

As Department Chair, I want to acknowledge our team of dedicated teaching faculty, research faculty and support personnel who work tirelessly to inspire our students and who make a difference. . . "uplifting the whole people”.