Uepa Physiotherapy: 40 Years of History and Contribution to Health in the Amazon
The course aims to train professionals capable of acting in the promotion, prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation of human health
The Physiotherapy course at the State University of Pará (Uepa), a pioneer in the northern region of Brazil, completes 40 years this April and stands out as one of the main training centers in the area in the region. The course is holding a special program this Thursday, the 24th, at the Center for Biological and Health Sciences (CCBS), which includes an extension action in the morning and a ceremony in the afternoon at Campus II in Belém, open to the general public. The initiative aims to highlight the advances achieved and also project future challenges in promoting health and science in the Amazon.
Nationally recognized since its inception, the course aims to train professionals capable of acting in the promotion, prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation of human health, based on ethical, social, and scientific principles. The course coordinator and physiotherapist Érica Feio expressed pride in coordinating the course: "I am a proud graduate of the Uepa Physiotherapy course and currently coordinating the course, marking its 40 years represents not only a professional achievement but also an emotional experience, a sense of belonging, and a genuine desire to give back to the course and the University everything they provide, alongside teachers, students, and other staff members."
Course - In these 40 years, around 1,300 students have graduated from Uepa's physiotherapy program, distributed between Belém and also in Santarém and Tucuruí. The physiotherapists trained by the University have stood out in the job market due to the excellence of their training. Many work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, educational institutions, and public health, in addition to engaging in research and teaching. The course also excels in scientific production, active participation in academic events, and the implementation of extension projects aimed at the community, significantly contributing to improving the quality of life of the population.
With a total of 478 active students in Belém, Santarém, Tucuruí, and Parauapebas, and 163 students between the Forma Pará program and the agreement with the municipality of Canaã dos Carajás, the academic training offered provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge aligned with the needs of the job market.
Third-year student Carolina Modesto chose Uepa for being a reference in the health field. She has always wanted to pursue a course in health, and "in 2021, I discovered physiotherapy and fell in love with the care provided by the profession. Being part of the history of the Uepa Physiotherapy course, the public university of the State, is, for me, a pride and a responsibility," she said. She emphasizes the legacy of 40 years in training professionals with technical excellence, social sensitivity, and commitment to quality, who stand out both within and outside Pará.
Since its creation, the course has been based on a generalist, humanistic, and critical training, supported by a solid scientific and technical foundation. A reference in training health professionals in the Amazon, Uepa highlights the relevance of the physiotherapy degree, among the most sought after in the institution's Prosel. "Students participate in practical activities from the first years, with supervised internships and integration between teaching, service, and community, reinforcing the social and humanized commitment of the course," emphasizes the coordinator.
Essential Profession - Physiotherapy is an essential profession within health sciences, acting in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human movement dysfunctions. Physiotherapists work to restore, maintain, and promote the functionality and quality of life of patients through various specific therapeutic approaches. Physiotherapists serve a diverse audience, which may include the elderly, children, athletes, people with disabilities, patients in post-surgical rehabilitation, and individuals with chronic diseases.
The areas of physiotherapy practice include specialties such as respiratory physiotherapy; trauma-orthopedic; women's health physiotherapy; neurofunctional; cardiovascular; and intensive care physiotherapy, among others. At the Center for Biological and Health Sciences at Uepa, various areas of physiotherapy are developed at the Teaching and Assistance Unit in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (Ueafto), such as orthopedic, neurological, and respiratory physiotherapy. One of the recent highlights was the Post-Covid program, which expanded the possibility of rehabilitation for individuals affected by the disease during the pandemic.
With a strong focus on research, extension, and community service, a total of 3,500 monthly consultations are conducted at the Teaching and Assistance Unit in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (Ueafto) by the team of physiotherapy professionals in the various specialties served.
The job market for physiotherapists is expanding, driven by the aging population, increased sports practice, and demand for rehabilitation services. The benefits of physiotherapy for the population are broad, contributing to functional recovery, pain relief, improvement in quality of life, and prevention of health deterioration.
Program - On Thursday, the 24th, at Campus II of the Center for Biological and Health Sciences (CCBS), there will be various extension actions in the morning such as workshops, labor exercises, and balance activities; and a ceremony with tributes and cultural presentations, which will be held in the auditorium of Ueafto, starting at 3 PM in Belém. The program is open to the academic community, professionals in the field, and the general public. Campus II is located at Travessa Perebebuí 2.623, in the Marco neighborhood.
Text: Diane Maués
