Dr. Alice E. Smith, lecturer (center) and Dr. Nara, head instructor (far right) with Bridging Program students
This was the final day of dysphagia lectures for students in the Technical School for Medical Care (TSMC) Physiotherapy Therapy Bridging Program. This program qualifies Physical Therapists for a Bachelor’s degree to be awarded by the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh. In cooperation with Singapore Allied Health and the Cambodia Physical Therapy Association, STC/SSTC developed and executed a 90-hour course in evaluating swallowing as part of the Neurology module of the program.
Five professors from the US, Australia, and the UK were recruited to lecture in the program, with a Cambodian head instructor. Materials and curriculum were developed and presented in both English and Khmer. Practicums at three public hospitals will be conducted for the 18 physiotherapy students in the program. A second program for a new cohort of students is scheduled for 2019-2020.