The Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit organized a workshop titled 'Physiotherapy in Schools' on Monday, 25 December, 2023, from 09:00 to 13:00. Chaired by Prof. Dr. Emine Handan Tüzün, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zehra Güçhan Topcu and Assist. Prof. Dr. Ünal Değer, the workshop involved Specialist Physiotherapist Çisel Demiralp Övgün and Specialist Physiotherapist Özge Çiftçi in the organization.
Present at the opening of the workshop were Sibel Tatar, the spouse of the President of the TRNC Ersin Tatar; Resmiye Canaltay, UBP Member of Parliament; Dr. Süleyman Uluçay, Mayor of Famagusta; Behçet Çelebi, Director of Higher Education and External Relations at the TRNC Ministry of National Education; Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Rector of EMU; Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Vice Rector of EMU; Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Dean of the EMU Faculty of Health Sciences; Vice Deans, Department Chairs, faculty members, representatives from the Cyprus Turkish Physiotherapists Association, Cyprus Turkish Physical Activity Association, Directors of Famagusta Special Education Centers, middle and high school teachers, and students.
Workshop Reports to Serve as Guidance
Following a moment of silence and the national anthem, Workshop Chair Prof. Dr. Emine Handan Tüzün highlighted the workshop's unique status as the first of its kind in the country, aiming to create awareness of physiotherapy in all schools. Providing insights into the field of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Prof. Dr. Tüzün emphasized the significance of physiotherapy within school settings. She expressed confidence that the outcomes of the workshop would provide significant contributions, citing the reports as guiding documents. Prof. Dr. Tüzün extended gratitude to those involved, expressing her belief in the workshop's fruitful outcome.
EMU's Faculty of Health Sciences: The First Gateway to Health
In her address, Prof. Dr. Malkoç welcomed everyone and emphasized that EMU's Faculty of Health Sciences serves as the university's first gateway to the field of health. Prof. Dr. Malkoç highlighted the faculty's commitment to advancing healthcare in the country and nurturing health scientists dedicated to this purpose. Describing their efforts to contribute to public health, Prof. Dr. Malkoç explained the functions of the Healthy Living Center and the Prosthetics-Orthotics and Biomechanics Center within the faculty. She conveyed hopes for the success of the workshop, extending appreciation to all involved.
"EMU's Work Serves as a Guide"
Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç emphasized EMU's status as the first and only state university established by law in the TRNC. He highlighted EMU's contributions in academic, research, and community service domains, positioning it as a guiding institution for the society and the state. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stressed the role of universities in responding to societal needs and asserted EMU's leadership in shaping the future. He highlighted EMU's international influence and its importance as a significant local reference point. Prof. Dr. Kılıç continued, stating, 'EMU is the university of the community. If people across the country are discussing EMU today, it reflects how much the community has embraced and internalized EMU. It's one of the greatest values created and one of the most significant investments made by the Turkish Cypriots.' He underlined the importance of the workshop's outcomes guiding the country's health sector and contributing to future planning.
"The Follow-up of Workshop Reports Is Crucial"
Sibel Tatar expressed her delight in being at EMU and her belief in EMU's trajectory towards more successful days ahead. She expressed anticipation for the workshop results and stressed the significance of not only conducting workshops but also following up on their outcomes. Providing insights into their presidential work, Tatar highlighted that the workshops' ultimate goal should be to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the reports. Acknowledging the deficiency in physiotherapy in schools, Tatar believed that the workshop reports would underscore this and advocated for activities and initiatives in schools considering the increasing sedentary lifestyles among children due to technology. Wishing for a successful workshop, Tatar expressed eagerness to access the workshop reports promptly.
Following the opening speeches, seven topics were addressed in the subsequent sessions: 'Health in Schools,' 'Physical Activity,' 'Pediatric Orthopedics and Posture,' 'Pediatric Neurology,' 'Pediatric Cardiopulmonary,' 'Pediatric Pelvic Problems,' and 'Ergonomic Approaches in Schools.'"
