A protocol signed between Near East University, ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, and the Turkish Cypriot Physiotherapists Association and the Turkish Cypriot Veterinary Surgeons Union aims to develop scientific and applied training in animal physiotherapy in the TRNC, strengthen expertise capacity, and expand clinical applications.
The “Animal Physiotherapy Training Cooperation Protocol” was signed between the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Near East University and the Turkish Cypriot Physiotherapists Association and the Turkish Cypriot Veterinary Surgeons Union, aiming to develop education and clinical applications in the field of animal physiotherapy. The protocol, encompassing the collaboration of the four institutions, aims to improve scientific and applied training in animal physiotherapy, increase expertise capacity, and expand clinical applications in the TRNC.
The protocol includes plans for the preparation of an educational program, the formation of an instructor staff, and the conduct of theoretical and practical training. Furthermore, while the participation and registration processes are being organized, efforts will be made to establish a legal framework for animal physiotherapy in the TRNC. The relevant faculties of the university will be responsible for preparing the educational content, providing academic and instructor support, and making classrooms, laboratories, and clinical facilities available. Professional organizations will undertake the execution of legal processes, the preparation of legislative proposals, and registration and information activities regarding the training program.
The protocol was signed by Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Near East University; Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Batuhan İ. Dericioğlu, President of the Cyprus Turkish Physiotherapists Association; and Vet. Burak Toksoy, President of the Cyprus Turkish Veterinary Surgeons Union. Representatives from the university and professional organizations also attended the signing ceremony.
Scientific cooperation is being strengthened!
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Batuhan İ. Dericioğlu, President of the Cyprus Turkish Physiotherapists Association, stated that physiotherapists can contribute not only to human health but also to the mobility and quality of life of animals. Expressing the importance of the protocol in establishing a scientific basis for animal physiotherapy, Dr. Dericioğlu wished for the collaboration to contribute to the profession, animals, and society.
The President of the Cyprus Turkish Veterinary Surgeons Association, Vet. Burak Toksoy, also stated that the number of veterinary clinics in the TRNC has increased from 5 to 65 in the last 20 years, indicating increased awareness of animal health. Toksoy stated that the protocol aims to support animal treatment processes with scientific foundations and improve the quality of treatment, adding that the collaboration will contribute to the development of animal health services.
A multidisciplinary approach will contribute to animal health!
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and planetary health, stated that the collaboration represents a significant step in this holistic approach. Thanking all stakeholders who contributed to the study, Prof. Dr. Özgören also highlighted the importance of the interest shown by academics and students from various health sciences fields within the university.
Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, stated that animal health is directly related to human health, and that the collaboration will bring together the knowledge and experience of different professional fields. Prof. Dr. Darbaz added that the training and courses to be organized in the field of animal physiotherapy will significantly benefit professionals, noting that significant advancements have been made in animal health in the TRNC and that physiotherapy and rehabilitation services can be further improved by following international practices.
