Opening of the Physical Therapy Conference: Towards Sustainable Health at Benha University

Prof. Nasser El-Gizawy, President of Benha University, along with Prof. Tamer Samir, President of Benha National University, inaugurated the scientific conference titled "Physical Therapy: Towards Sustainable Health," organized by the Faculty of Physical Therapy over two days in the Prof. Hossam El-Attar hall at the university's site in Al-Obour City.
The opening ceremony was attended by:
• Prof. Jehan Abdel-Hady, Vice President for postgraduate Studies and Research,
• Prof. Hussein El-Maghraby, Vice President of Benha National University for Academic Affairs,
• Prof. Karim El-Dash, Vice President of Benha National University for International Relations,
• Prof. Alaa Balba, Chairman of the Physical Therapy Sector Committee at the Supreme Council of Universities,
• Prof. Shaker Abu Abdullah, President of the Arab Union for Physical Therapy,
• Prof. Hafez Shawky, representative of the President of the General Syndicate of Physical Therapy in Egypt,
• Prof. Walid Talaat, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Therapy,
• Prof. Mohamed Ghanem, Director of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center at Benha University,
• Prof. Ayman Samir, Dean of the Veterinary Medicine College at Benha National University,
• Prof. Hazem Aliwa, Academic Director of the university's campus in Al-Obour City,
• Several deans of Physical Therapy faculties from Egyptian universities.
In his speech, Prof. Nasser El-Gizawy emphasized that in this era, we are witnessing rapid developments in various fields, making it essential to rethink the methods we use to maintain our health. He pointed out that Physical Therapy is one of the fundamental pillars to achieve this goal, as it integrates care for the body and mind in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.
He added that by adopting Physical Therapy practices, we can not only treat diseases and injuries but also enhance prevention and improve our daily quality of life. He stressed that sustainable health requires us to view health holistically, including the environment we live in, the nutrition we receive, and caring for our mental health. The university president continued, saying: "We must adopt a lifestyle that promotes balance between the body and mind, and be aware of the importance of prevention and self-care, explaining that integrating Physical Therapy into our daily lives can be the first step toward achieving this balance and leading a healthy and sustainable life for all."
He noted that today's world faces significant health challenges that require us to think of integrated and comprehensive solutions. Through Physical Therapy, we can enhance the body's natural healing and reduce reliance on chemical medications, contributing to sustainable community health. He pointed out that this conference will open new horizons for thinking and action and will serve as a platform for cooperation and knowledge exchange among all participants.
On her part, Prof. Jehan Abdel-Hady explained that organizing the conference is part of the ongoing efforts to promote public health and raise awareness of the importance of Physical Therapy in improving individual's quality of life and health. She noted that sustainable health is not only about effective treatment but also involves a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions affecting individual's health.
The university's vice president added that the conference represents an important step toward adopting sustainable health practices in the community and achieving a balance between medical advancement and environmental protection while preserving natural resources. It serves as a significant platform for knowledge and experience exchange among professors, researchers, and professionals in this vital field to stay updated on the latest developments in Physical Therapy and how to benefit from modern treatment techniques in enhancing public health and preventing chronic diseases.
Prof. Walid Talaat, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Therapy and Conference President, indicated that the conference topics include sustainability, quality assurance, and evidence-based practice in Physical Therapy, innovations and technologies, and artificial intelligence in Physical Therapy, advancements in movement therapy and rehabilitation, Physical Therapy for specialized groups: oncology, lymphedema, critical care, and special gender needs, emerging techniques in manual and complementary therapies, comprehensive Physical Therapy: nutrition, work environment, and occupational health, and advancements in the rehabilitation of aging, heart, and lung diseases to enhance wellness.
He added that the conference aims to develop Physical Therapy practices in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of Egypt's Vision 2030, promoting innovative and sustainable healthcare methods to enhance care quality, integrating modern technologies and artificial intelligence to improve Physical Therapy practices, highlighting recent evidence and developments in specialized Physical Therapy approaches, facilitating knowledge exchange and professional development for Physical Therapy practitioners and students, and empowering Physical Therapy students with research opportunities and professional skills for sustainable healthcare.
Dr. Alia Mohamed Al-Abd, Lecturer of Physical Therapy and General Secretary of the Conference, mentioned that the conference included scientific sessions comprising over 50 lectures and research presentations by professors and specialists in the fields of medicine and Physical Therapy, as well as scientific sessions featuring over 30 student research papers, along with several distinguished workshops led by experts in various Physical Therapy fields, in addition to an exhibition for medical device and pharmaceutical companies.