Canadore College collaborates with Ukraine University Partner
Jan 5, 2022 | Cindy Males, Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Students in Canadore’s Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA/PTA) program had the rare opportunity to learn from teachers more than 8,000 kilometres away in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Professors in the College’s program recently connected virtually with their counterparts in Ukraine for a five-part lecture series.
“We chose to begin with a lecture series for the purpose of knowledge sharing,” said Mabel Plourde-Doran, Professor in the OTA/PTA program. “Zaporizhzia State Medical University (ZSMU) and Canadore employees and students were present. We shared information about our institutions, professions and designations.”
“What a pleasure to learn about Ukraine’s post-secondary education system and, more specifically, the scope of practice and education of OTA/PTAs, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. It was interesting to learn about differences in the programs, schools, and countries; there were many similarities too,” said Plourde-Doran.
“As future healthcare professionals we are starting to learn the importance of promoting multiculturalism and cultural safety, which includes being aware of different cultures and the ability to adjust to those differences respectively to promote best client care,” said student Spencer Randall.
We are so pleased to see the fruits of this collaborative relationship between ZSMU and Canadore College. Activities such as these joint lectures pave the way for future deeper joint activities, including possible student and faculty exchanges,” said Director, International Dr. Aamir Taiyeb.