UNIMED inducts 59 new physiotherapists

From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure

No fewer than 59 graduates of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo have been inducted into the physiotherapy profession by the Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board of Nigeria.

The Registrar, Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board of Nigeria, Prof. Rufai Yusuf Ahmad who administered the oath on the new physiotherapists urged them to abide by the ethics of the profession.

Represented by the Deputy Registrar of the board, Mr Adeniran Akinyele, the Registrar encouraged the inductees to be diligent and disciplined in the discharge of their duties as professionals.

In his lecture at the induction ceremony, Prof. Rufus Adedoyin, stated that “Tele-Physiotheraphy has become a necessity, not an option to reach patients beyond hospital walls”.

Adedoyin, a Professor of Physiotherapy at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife who spoke on the lecture entitled “Wind of Change and innovation in Physiotherapy” said physiotherapy in the 21st century requires innovative approaches as this age is technology-driven because of global health challenges and shifting patient expectations.

He emphasized that global health crises such as the COVID 19 pandemic have revealed how essential physiotherapists are to resilience and recovery both in the communities.

He encouraged the inductees to build a career of impact not by the number of patients they treat, but by the number of lives transformed.

“It’s not in how many letters follow your name, but in how much hope you inspire and how much value you add to the lives of others”, he said

Adedoyin reminded the newly inducted physiotherapists that “physiotherapy is not just a career, but a calling to serve humanity”.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe encouraged the new physiotherapists not to be in a hurry to leave the shores of the country as Nigeria needs their services now more than ever.

“Do not allow the ‘Japa’ syndrome to weaken the foundation of your profession at home. I urge you to reflect on how you can contribute to national development and provide much needed rehabilitation services to clients and communities across out nation”, she advised.