On Friday 15 June, the Aula Magna hosted the graduation ceremony for students from the Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy, which was attended by the newly graduated physiotherapists as well as their professors and family members. The vice-dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Xavier Oliver, was charged with welcoming attendees and introducing the class patron, Dr Josep Medina, head of Functional Rehabilitation at the Guttmann Institute.

During his lecture, Medina not only shared with the recent graduates his extensive experience as a physiotherapist, but also stressed the importance of always keeping their knowledge up-to-date, in order “to adapt the therapies to each patient, not the other way around”. “Generally speaking, the incorporation of new technologies in physiotherapy and neurorehabilitation has brought about a change in how treatments are planned. In addition to in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology, new professionals must have a command of proper treatment techniques and a solid understanding of computing and basic engineering”.

Dr Medina also reminded his new colleagues that they must “maintain an active psychological attitude while administering therapies to understand the future repercussions this might have”.  “I wish you the best of luck on the path you’re just now starting and urge you to never lose the courage, humanity, respect and determination you’ve learned during your degree”.

After Josep Medina’s speech, the event continued with the awarding of diplomas and the placing of sashes, followed by touching words from the Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy class representatives. The ceremony ended with the traditional singing of Gaudeamus Igitur.