School of Rehabilitation Sciences - Global Engagement

A World Connected Through Care

The UIW School of Rehabilitation Sciences responds to the need for globally oriented professionals by presenting opportunities for students to practice in multilingual and multicultural settings, lead and advance the profession by embracing change, collaborate with other healthcare professionals and continue to learn throughout their lives.

 

Destination — Health

Each year, at the invitation of the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership & Sustainability, UIW health students and Los Quijotes of San Antonio-Ambassadors of Health travel to Oaxaca, Mexico. During the 2018 UIW Health Mission Trip, a team of physical therapists including students provided care to local underserved communities — they saw 250 patients in just five days.

Physical Therapy Globe-trotters

Instituto Profesional en Terapia y Humanidades (IPETH) in Puebla or Mexico City Centro de Reabilitacion Integral de San Miguel de Allende. 

Alamo Community Church

SRH University in Heidelberg

Eduglobal Associates

Adonai Ministries

Global Health Insights

More than 1.3 billion people worldwide are without access to basic healthcare, whether due to the lack of available professionals, education, or affordability.

The World Health Organization estimates a global healthcare workforce shortage of 7.2 million professionals, which is predicted to grow to 12.9 million by 2035.

Physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for global mortality, causing 3.2 million deaths annually.

Physical therapists treat and prevent leading causes of death, globally, with targeted physical activity plans:

  • Heart Disease — 5 million people died from cardiovascular disease in 2005. Daily moderate exercise prevents 30% of these deaths.
  • Cancer — 50 minutes a week of moderate physical activity can reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers.
  • Accidental Injury — about 5.8 million people die each year as a result of injuries. Regular exercise increases the effectiveness of respiratory and circulatory systems, aiding in recovery.
  • Childhood Obesity — the number of overweight children (aged 0 to 5 years) globally increased to 41 million in 2016 and is estimated to grow to 70 million by 2025.
  • Diabetes — 180 million people worldwide have diabetes. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and a healthy diet significantly lower the chances of developing the disease.
  • Mental Health — one in four people will suffer from mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Exercise aids stress management and alleviate depression.