Four Physical Therapy interns, namely, Geonina Vanelyn Co, Nicene Mae Vidal, Kalayaan Tolentino and Miriel Lawrynne Galon together with Department of Physical Therapy faculty member Ms. Archelle Jane C. Callejo, left on August 4, 2019 for a month- long clinical internship experience in Samut Prakan, Thailand. This internship was made possible in collaboration with the Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) and Thai Red Cross Society. The participants were assisted by SWU Physical Therapy Department Head Dr. Wanvisa Panichaporn, and Dr. Natthakorn, SWU faculty member upon arrival in Thailand.
The one-month clinical experience involved actual patient care and evaluation of Thai locals with conditions particularly of neurologic cases including stroke, spinal cord injuries and pediatric cases.
Thai Red Cross Society Chief Physical Therapist Ms. Jittima Charoenlimprasert, along with her staff ensured that the group was assisted and introduced to its state-of-the-art equipment such as Anti-gravity Treadmill and Exergaming tools for patients with balance impairment. The group also attended a short lecture about physical therapy strategies and management practiced in Thailand.
To add to the UST group’s internationalization experience, they joined Thailand’s Big Cleaning Day, a project by the country’s Queen, which happens every two years.
Ms. Callejo conducted a mini-workshop about neurorehabilitation participated in by faculty members and post-graduate and undergraduate students of SWU.
The Global International Experience does not only involve enriching the students’ academic and clinical experience but also includes exploring the culture and treasures of the host community or country. This helps provide a vast opportunity to the participants especially in understanding and appreciating cultural differences and competencies.
