Faculty of Health Sciences celebrated the commencement of the 1st DPT program graduates in Lebanon on the 18th of May 2016 at Gamal Abdel Nasser Hall – Beirut campus under the patronage of Professor Amr Galal El Adawi, BAU’s president.

The ceremony was attended by the Vice President of the Medical Sector at BAU, Professor Issam Othman, BAU’s secretary General Dr. Omar Houri, Deans of different faculties at BAU and Head of Physical Therapy Departments in Universities and hospitals across Lebanon. In addition to the Secretary General of the Arab Confederation for Physical Therapy, George Boueiri and the President of Physical Therapy Order in Lebanon Khalife Khalife.

Dr. Ibtissam Saab, Head of Physical Therapy Department, started her speech by congratulating the graduates. She stated that the Physical Therapy program at BAU responds to the rapid development of the profession and highly contributes in increasing the efficiency of the clinical graduate, which enables him to diagnose, and treat patients according to international benchmarks comparable to graduates holding similar degree.

Professor Moustafa Mourad, Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences, considered that this program qualifies graduates to compete on both regional and international aspects.

In turn, the president of the Physical Therapy Order in Lebanon Mr. Khalife Khalife stressed on the need to work in a liberal framework in terms of physical therapy diagnosis and the provision of contemporary methods of intervention.

 Mr. George Boueiri, Secretary General of the Arab Confederation for Physical Therapy, asked graduates to be proud of their University that seeks higher levels in all aspects considering the physical therapy as the future of the health system.

Professor Adawi, BAU’s President, considered investing in medical majors like physical therapy beneficial for patients’ health and national economy due to its low cost in most cases, which urged the University to launch clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2013. Moreover, the president congratulated the Physical Therapy Department for acquiring accreditation from the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT).

After that, certificates were distributed and a memorial picture for graduates and staff was taken.