PHYSIOTHERAPY is increasingly being recognised as a rewarding career, offering both personal fulfilment and the opportunity to make a profound impact on patients’ lives. In Guyana, the University of Guyana (UG) has been at the forefront of advancing this field through its Bachelor of Science (Medical Rehabilitation) programme, known as the BMR programme.

This ground-breaking initiative, launched in 2010, has produced a cadre of skilled physiotherapists, filling a critical gap in the country’s healthcare system. The programme has grown significantly since its inception, with over 50 students currently enrolled.
Dr Sheena Villarreal, Coordinator of the BMR major and lecturer at UG, emphasised the programme’s commitment to producing high-quality professionals. “While we know the need for physiotherapists is high, our focus is on ensuring the quality of graduates,” she stated.

With an annual intake of 25 to 30 students, the programme has consistently graduated between 12 and 15 professionals each year.
Since the first cohort of three students graduated in 2014, the programme has made significant strides in addressing the shortage of rehabilitation professionals in Guyana and the Caribbean.

ESTABLISHING THE BMR PROGRAMME
Senior Physiotherapist and UG lecturer Barbara Lawrence recalled the collaborative efforts that led to the creation of the BMR programme. Before its introduction, Guyana heavily relied on international agencies such as the Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO), for support in physiotherapy and related fields.
Lawrence explained that VSO conducted a needs assessment in consultation with various stakeholders, including rehabilitation staff, disabled persons’ organisations and special-needs schools. The findings underscored the urgent need for a local training programme, leading to the development of a curriculum in partnership with VSO.

In 2010, the first cohort—comprising Simone Seckle, Isha Urlin, and Pravesh Parsaram Bhola—was admitted to the BMR programme, marking the beginning of a new era for physiotherapy in Guyana.
Graduates of the BMR programme have seen their skills and knowledge expand significantly, allowing them to deliver advanced care.

Simone Seckle, now a Senior Physiotherapist at the Ministry of Health, transitioned from being a rehabilitation assistant to a fully qualified therapist. She noted how the programme deepened her understanding of holistic patient care and enhanced her ability to assess and treat diverse conditions.
Pravesh Bhola, a nurse turned physiotherapist, uses his dual expertise to provide unique and comprehensive patient care. His passion for mobilising orthopaedic patients stems from his personal experience as a rehabilitation patient.

Isha Urlin, a Physiotherapist and Lecturer at UG, highlighted how the programme equipped her to address various ailments, from sprained ankles to stroke recovery. “It has taught me to appreciate the human body and share knowledge on how to heal and strengthen it,” she shared.
Dr Villarreal emphasised that rehabilitation programmes such as UG’s BMR are rare in the Caribbean, positioning Guyana as a leader in this critical healthcare sector. With continued support from the Ministry of Health and international partners, the programme aims to further expand its reach and impact.

As the BMR programme continues to grow, it serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the vital role physiotherapy plays in improving lives. For those seeking a career that combines science, empathy, and tangible results, physiotherapy offers unparalleled rewards.