Welcome to the Physiotherapy Internships Program!

Young Surgeons Travel (YST) offers unique and transformative internship opportunities designed to help aspiring physiotherapists gain real-world experience while making a significant impact in underserved communities worldwide. Whether you are a pre-physical therapy student, a graduate of a physical therapy program, or a licensed PT looking to expand your expertise, this program will empower you to take your skills to the next level.

Through this program, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with renowned physical therapists, physicians, physician assistants, and healthcare teams in a variety of healthcare settings—ranging from bustling urban hospitals to remote rural clinics. You will gain exposure to diverse patient populations and complex cases, and learn how to adapt physiotherapy treatments to meet the unique needs of different communities.

Physiotherapy Internship Experience

Key Features of the Program

This internship program is structured to provide hands-on experience in clinical physiotherapy, exposure to diverse healthcare environments, and meaningful contributions to global health. Key features of the program include:

  • Comprehensive Clinical Skills Development in Physiotherapy
  • Direct Patient Care and Rehabilitation Services
  • Work in a Variety of Healthcare Settings: Public & Private Health Facilities
  • Public Health Education and Disease Prevention Programs
  • First Responder and First Aid Training for Emergency Situations
  • Cross-Cultural Exposure to a Wide Range of Healthcare Systems
  • Participation in Ongoing Research and Clinical Trials in Physiotherapy

Timing/ Duty Hours

During elective rotations, medical students typically work shifts that can range from 8 to 12 hours, and these shifts can be scheduled during the day, night, or weekends, potentially including overnight call duties.
Medical students undertaking clinical rotations will need to work shifts as would any practicing doctor. Shifts last between 8 and 12 hours and can be scheduled during the day, night-time or weekend. Students may also be asked to be on call, depending on the medical settings

Exposure to Physiotherapy Treatments and Techniques

As part of this internship, you will be exposed to a wide range of physiotherapy treatments, therapies, and innovative techniques that are used to manage various medical conditions. Interns will have the chance to work alongside experienced physiotherapists, gaining valuable insights and learning from their real-world expertise. Some of the areas of exposure include:

  • Injury Rehabilitation, Recovery from Surgery, and Disability Management
  • Pain Management Using Therapeutic Modalities, Manual Therapy, and Electrotherapy
  • Mobility and Functional Movement Enhancement through Exercise Therapy
  • Patient Education on Exercise, Wellness, and Long-Term Health Maintenance
  • Postural Training and Ergonomics to Prevent Injury
  • Sports Physiotherapy: Preventative and Post-Injury Rehabilitation
  • Geriatric Physiotherapy: Tailoring Therapies for Older Adults

Core Values Emphasized Throughout the Program

While providing physiotherapy care, interns will develop and emphasize core professional values that are essential in becoming a successful healthcare provider:

  • Cultural Sensitivity in Interacting with Patients from Diverse Backgrounds
  • Collaborative Healthcare Practices with Multidisciplinary Teams
  • Community Outreach and Health Promotion Initiatives
  • Compassion and Empathy in Patient-Centered Care
  • Adherence to Ethical Standards and Best Practices in Physiotherapy

Impact and Contribution to Underserved Communities

One of the most fulfilling aspects of the internship is the opportunity to serve communities that lack adequate healthcare resources. Interns will be working in clinics, hospitals, and community centers in under-resourced regions, offering physical therapy expertise to individuals who may not have easy access to these services. Your work will have a lasting impact on:

  • Improving Functional Independence for Patients with Disabilities or Injuries
  • Assisting Patients in Recovering from Surgical Procedures and Traumatic Injuries
  • Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices and Preventing Future Injuries
  • Contributing to Global Health Improvement through Physiotherapy

Career Development and Pathways

This internship is not just about gaining hands-on experience; it's also an important stepping stone for your career. Interns will receive mentorship and guidance to help them prepare for advanced career opportunities, including:

  • Preparing for Careers in Physiotherapy, Sports Rehabilitation, and Ergonomics
  • Assistance with Licensing Exams, Residency Applications, and Professional Certifications
  • Guidance on Specializing in Areas such as Pediatric Physiotherapy, Neurological Rehabilitation, or Orthopedic Physiotherapy
  • Opportunities for International Physiotherapy Careers and Global Mobility
  • Access to Postgraduate and Continuing Education Opportunities

Ideal Candidates for the Program

This internship is ideal for anyone who is passionate about physical therapy, has a desire to help underserved populations, and is eager to broaden their horizons through international experience. Whether you're looking to specialize in a specific area of physiotherapy or gain general clinical experience, our program provides the resources, mentorship, and hands-on training to help you achieve your goals.

We are committed to supporting students who wish to pursue a future in these professional fields. Our programs are fully aligned with the AAMC’s guidelines for providing valuable patient care abroad, ensuring that all aspects of the program adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.