As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), for every 10,000 citizens, there should be one Physiotherapist. In India, the number currently stands at near about 6000 qualified physiotherapists highlighting a great shortage.
The need for physiotherapists in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, schools and defence medical establishments has been on a rise. The employment and career prospects are excellent for physiotherapists and the need is of quality institutes that can educate, train and supply the burgeoning industry.
Looking at the prospects, GD Goenka University, Gurugram, established the Department of Physiotherapy as a constituent academic arm of School of Medical and Allied Sciences (SOMAS).
The department of Physiotherapy since its Establishment in the year 2016, is striving all-out to develop physiotherapy professionals of potential imbued with values of entrepreneurship, ethics and social responsibility.
A Premier Institute
The institute aims to be an internationally recognized centre of excellence in healthcare education and research. It strives to produce competent and compassionate professionals that can provide holistic health care services to all. The Department is supported in its endeavours with unmatched infrastructure in the University with dedicated ultramodern air-conditioned Lecture theatres with LCD and PA Provisions.
The institute has several state-of-the-art Laboratories ranging from—Medical Labs – Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology; Therapeutics – Clinical Electrotherapy and Exercise therapy labs; to ICT – Networked Computer and Information Technology Labs.
Presently, the institute offers Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) in 4 specialities (Musculoskeletal, Neurology, Cardiopulmonary and Sports). These programs comprise of a resourceful curriculum, coaxing each student for perfection and highest academic accomplishments, to enable and enhance a winning edge personality in students. What stands apart is notably the institute’s International MoUs and hospital Tie-ups for training and research.
An Eminent Leader
Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, the Head of Department of Physiotherapy, is a well-known physiotherapist with expertise in Trans-disciplinary Innovation in Therapeutics, Orthopaedic rehabilitation, Publications and Policy Making, taught and guided for more than 23 years. He was part of an international project of development of a mobile app on strike based on android and IOS platform “Stroke Riskometer” AUT Auckland.
Dr. Gupta is a recipient of many prestigious awards, few noteworthy being ‘Best Academician Award’, International Conference of Physical Therapy, AIIMS, New Delhi, India, 2017 and ‘Aryabhatta of Physios- Best Academician Award’, Sports Connect, 2018.
Under his guidance, the institute has won several awards notably the ‘Best College Award’ at 4th International Conference of Physical Therapy, AIIMS, New Delhi, India, 2015.
Holistic Development
The course curriculum at the institute has been designed by eminent academicians and professionals to meet both present and future needs of the healthcare sector. A “Problem-based learning” approach has been adopted emphasizing on self-learning and small group discussions that help students develop problem-solving abilities.
Apart from academic activities, the co-curricular activities, sports, adventure, cultural and social- service activities, are vital to campus life and learning. Faculty along-with its students regularly write articles, reviews, research papers, and synopsis and awareness write-ups.
The Department regularly organizes and engages in FDPs, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Sports/Rehab camps etc. to keep its staff and students abreast with the latest developments, evidence and applications that are potentially emerging as trendsetters in the field of physiotherapy. Continuous clinical exposure to students in leading Healthcare organisations like Medanta, Artemis, Fortis etc. help the students recognise the latest therapies
Adapting Technology
School of Medical and Allied Sciences opines that a plethora of advancements and innovations in technology are now offering opportunities to improve faster diagnosis, better treatment experience and live patient engagement. There are apps, A-V feedback mechanisms, intuitive assessment forms that help clinics in improving Therapeutics outcome.
Looking forward, Robotics in physiotherapy practice is gaining recognition, especially in the domain of passive and respective exercise therapy regimes. The gaming technology has extended its arms and is now providing virtual reality application opportunities in the field of neurological and developmental rehabilitation. Tele Physiotherapy is now emerging as a favoured solution for challenges of urban especially metropolitan lives. This helps therapy to be more functional and client-focused.
Career Opportunities
The raised prosperity, per capita Income, Medical Standards, Average life expectancy are catalysing the need of Physiotherapy Professionals in India & Abroad. The Bachelor of Physiotherapy Program broadens career options in clinical practice and Research.
The Master of Physiotherapy Programs study allows to specialize in an area of your interest and acumen; popularly opted areas are Orthopaedics, Neurology, Cardiopulmonary, Sports among several other clinical specialities. These programs open endless avenues in the field of practice, employment, research and consultancy.
Some of the jobs profile in different sectors are Public Sector Healthcare organizations, Private Sector Healthcare organizations, Educational Institutions, Self- Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Higher Education.
Raising the Bar
The Institute wishes to enrich its laboratory facilities by rendering clinical services in OPD domain with unparalleled clinical research equipment like Gait and Motion analyser, Balance Trainer, EMG-Biofeedback, Digital Sports Grade Dynamometer, Energy Consumption Analyzer, New features towards technology and innovation, and to publish its own Research journal and academic periodical in the near future. The curriculum of BPT is revised as a part of a collaborative project namely Tuning India Program in association with the University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.