The 15th congress of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy
Issue: 20 June 2007
The 15th congress of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy took place in Vancouver, Canada, between 2 and 6 June, preceded by a general meeting of member organisations. The theme of the congress was Moving Physical Therapy Forward, and it attracted 4,000 delegates from around 80 countries. Structured around five core programmes, it featured a variety of symposia, workshops and debates on issues of relevance around the globe. Simon Crompton reports for Frontline
Opening ceremony stresses physiotherapists as force for good
An inspiring speech by Martha Piper, a Canadian physiotherapist and researcher with a special interest in developmentally delayed infants, got the congress off to an emotional start at the opening ceremony.
At a colourful event that combined Canadian first nations tradition with modern culture and professional passion, Dr Piper said there were certain qualities needed for physiotherapists to have an impact for good on society.
She said: 'As someone who owes physiotherapy a great deal, I would suggest five basic factors for the next decade. They have served as our core values since Socrates described the benefits of massage and hydrotherapy.'
These were hope, nerve – in accepting some of what is done may not be efficacious or cost effective, hard work, a strong sense of self, and a sense of inter connectedness.
Karen Hurtubise, president of congress host organisation the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, said the congress invited diversity. 'It's a place that celebrates the rich mosaic of individuals brought together by a common goal.'
WCPT president Sandra Mercer Moore stressed physiotherapy's increasing involvement with the World Health Organization, and the input WCPT was having on major projects on rehabilitation and workforce planning.
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