Fundación Universitaria María Cano, Cali campus, carried out the academic mission “Comprehensive Physiotherapy Experience in Pereira” in collaboration with Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina, in the city of Pereira. The initiative brought together 20 Physiotherapy students and two faculty members, who enhanced their clinical, intercultural, and teamwork skills through a national academic mobility experience.

During the mission, held from April 23 to 25, participants engaged in both theoretical and practical sessions in the host institution’s laboratories and academic spaces, focusing on areas such as cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, biomechanics, exercise prescription, and clinical analysis. This process enabled students to strengthen their knowledge, exchange experiences with peers and faculty, and understand the importance of adapting treatment plans to diverse patient contexts.

The experience was complemented by a cultural tour of Pereira and a visit to Salento, allowing participants to connect with the social and cultural dynamics of Colombia’s coffee region. This integration of academic training and territorial understanding contributed to the development of a “glocal” perspective in physiotherapy, linking technical knowledge with community awareness.

With a total of 20 training hours under an in-person, theory-practice methodology, the academic mission aligned with the institution’s commitment to training professionals with critical thinking, social responsibility, and adaptability to diverse contexts. Key competencies strengthened included the assessment and diagnosis of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neuromusculoskeletal conditions, treatment planning, the use of medical technologies, and collaborative work within interdisciplinary teams.

Participants received certification for their involvement in this academic mission, recognizing their commitment to mobility and transformative learning experiences. Initiatives like this reinforce the Faculty of Health Sciences’ strategy for internationalization at home and academic mobility, while strengthening institutional partnerships and contributing to comprehensive professional training.

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