The “Rehabilitation in Ukraine” (Rehab4U) project is a long-term initiative aimed at developing sustainable, integrated rehabilitation services within Ukraine’s healthcare system. It is implemented by Momentum Wheels for Humanity in partnership with international and national organizations, including Deloitte, Results for Development (R4D), Project HOPE, and the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD).

The event was attended by heads of physical therapy departments and coordinators of educational programmes in the I7.01 Physical Therapy specialization. Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University was represented by Olena Ivanivna Huzhva, Acting Head of the Department of Health and Rehabilitation at the Faculty of Health Care and Sports.

During the meeting, a number of important issues were discussed, including:

• Challenges in the professional practice of physical therapists and ways to address them through strengthening formal education

• Next-generation higher education standards: incorporating experience, current requirements, and implementation prospects

• Higher education in Ukraine: key challenges and the need for systemic reforms

• Current challenges in training Master's students in physical therapy: from formal assessment to genuine professional readiness

• The impact of European integration on higher education and professional training.

Participation in the All-Ukrainian Round Table of Heads of Departments specializing in I7.01 Physical Therapy contributed to a professional discussion of current issues related to the training of physical therapists in Ukraine, familiarization with modern trends in the development of the rehabilitation sector, and prospects for improving higher education in accordance with established standards. Following the event, priority areas for the development of educational programmes were identified, including strengthening the practical component of future specialists’ training, improving higher education standards, and deepening cooperation between higher education institutions and the professional community.

We sincerely thank the organizers of the international project “Rehabilitation in Ukraine” (Rehab4U), the project partners, and all participants of the round table for the high level of organization, professional dialogue, and the opportunities created for experience sharing. The outcomes of the event will serve as a foundation for further improvement of the educational process and for preparing competitive physical therapy specialists capable of effectively responding to current challenges facing Ukraine’s healthcare system.