Dear Physiotherapy Colleagues and Friends,
It is time again for us to celebrate World Physiotherapy Day 2021!
As Singapore moves into the endemic normal, we learn to live alongside COVID-19 as residents and as physiotherapists. The healthcare community including physiotherapists continue to soldier on during these challenging times, juggling care for patients diagnosed with COVID-19, and other patients who require physiotherapy.
SPA has chosen to focus on the theme “Get Up! Be Active!” this Physiotherapy Day, emphasizing the importance of movement and active lifestyle particularly during the endemic situation. As working from home and telecommuting becomes a main stay in the future, the corresponding risks of sedentary behaviour and inactivity will most certainly rise across all age groups. There lies the urgent need to promote physical activity and exercise, a role that the physiotherapy profession is well-placed for.
As the COVID-19 situation continue to evolve, one thing is certain. The physiotherapy profession must continue to build on our standards of practice, embrace new ways of carrying out rehabilitation and embark on new frontiers together. It is critical for physiotherapists in the different sectors to come together, to share, learn and transform care for the better. SPA aims to be the bridge across sectors of our profession and lay the stage to inspire collaborative efforts.
This Physiotherapy Day, SPA launched Physiotherapy Awards 2021, to honour the significant contributions of physiotherapists in the public, intermediate and long term care, as well as the private sector. In addition, a Promising Physiotherapist award will be awarded to recognize young physiotherapists who have demonstrated commitment and passion for their work in the short period of 5 years or less. Please stay tuned on our outreach platforms including social media as we announce the results. Our heartfelt congratulations to the awardees this year!
SPA would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, our fellow colleagues and friends for your selfless dedication and immense efforts in serving our patients and clients. SPA hopes to continue to work with all of you to move our profession forward, advocating for physiotherapy standards and professional development, in order to contribute to our society’s health and well-being.
Our journey onwards may not be easy, but I would like to leave you with one of my favourite quotes from Mr Walt Disney, “First, think. Second, dream. Third, believe. And finally, dare.”.
We can think, dream, believe and dare as a profession.
Take heart that we have one another in this journey. Take courage that we will only be stronger if we unite as a profession.
I look forward to the day when we can once again gather physically face-to-face. Till then, please continue to stay safe and keep well!
Meanwhile, SPA will continue to reach out to all of you via virtual means.
Last but not least, here’s wishing a very Happy Physiotherapy Day 2021 to everyone!
Yours truly,
Sin Yi Lee
President (2020-2022)
Singapore Physiotherapy Association
