The Department of Physical Therapy within the Faculty of Public Health at Antonine University (UA)marked a historic milestone on May 30, 2026, with the official launch of its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program during the seminar “Optimizing Shoulder Function: Advances in Assessment, Rehabilitation, and Performance,” organized in collaboration with the Lebanese Order of Physiotherapists (LOPT).
Held at Our Lady of the Seeds Monastery on the Hadat–Baabda Campus, the event brought together clinicians, international speakers, researchers, students, alumni, and healthcare professionals for a day of scientific exchange, professional dialogue, and institutional vision.
While the seminar explored contemporary approaches to shoulder rehabilitation and performance, the launch of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program stood at the heart of the occasion, reflecting UA’s continued commitment to advancing rehabilitation education and professional practice.
Moderated by Jamie Zarka, a Physical Therapy student at UA, and Rolando Helou, a Physical Therapy alumnus from the Class of 2025, the seminar reflected UA’s continued commitment to evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and healthcare education rooted in both academic rigor and clinical relevance.
Opening Ceremony and a Historic Launch
The day opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Charbel Habib, Head of UA’s Department of Physical Therapy, who reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to clinical competence, research-oriented learning, and lifelong professional development.
President of the LOPT, Dr. Charles Morcos highlighted the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and professional bodies in advancing physiotherapy education and supporting the profession’s evolving role within healthcare systems.
Addressing the audience, Fr. Michel Saghbiny, UA’s Rector, situated the seminar within a broader institutional mission: “We are gathered today not only to celebrate scientific achievement, but also to renew our commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and service to society. Our vision remains rooted in advancing healthcare education in Lebanon and the region toward international horizons, because investing in people is among the highest forms of investment.”
Fr. Saghbiny emphasized that the seminar reflects UA’s role as a platform for continuous professional development and scientific advancement in rehabilitation sciences, while also acknowledging the University’s strong partnership with the LOPT in elevating physiotherapy practice and patient care.
Presented as a milestone for both the University and the profession, the new program was introduced as one developed according to international standards and designed to advance physiotherapy education and practice.
Designed for practicing physiotherapists seeking to advance their expertise, the 42-credit program combines advanced clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, applied pharmacology, leadership, research, and innovation. Through a practice-oriented approach that bridges theory and real-world clinical application, the program prepares clinicians to manage increasingly complex cases and contribute to the future of rehabilitation sciences.
“We envisioned a program,” Fr. Saghbiny stated, “that prepares practitioners capable of professional autonomy and rigorous scientific inquiry while contributing meaningfully to the future of rehabilitation practice.”
On this occasion, he also recognized the longstanding contributions of Dr. Elie Akoury, Assistant Professor, former Head of UA’s Department of Physical Therapy, and current Coordinator of the newly launched Doctor of Physical Therapy program, for his instrumental role in the development of the program and his continued commitment to the growth of the Department over the years.
The seminar also coincided with the reaccreditation of the Department’s Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy by World Physiotherapy for the period 2026–31, following its first accreditation cycle from 2018 to 2023. This achievement reaffirmed the Department’s sustained commitment to quality assurance, clinical excellence, and internationally aligned physiotherapy education.
The seminar also formed part of the UA Plus Program, reflecting the University’s broader commitment to lifelong learning, professional growth, and educational experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom settings.
Scientific Sessions: From Diagnosis to Performance
Following the opening ceremony and celebratory toast, participants engaged in a full scientific program exploring shoulder rehabilitation through complementary clinical and technological perspectives.
The first panel, “Precision in Shoulder Therapy,” focused on contemporary approaches to assessment and intervention.
Dr. Tarek Touma opened the scientific sessions with an exploration of adhesive capsulitis, examining the relationship between biomechanics, pathology, and osteopathic treatment. His lecture emphasized movement restoration and functional recovery through a multidisciplinary understanding of shoulder stiffness.
Building on this discussion, Dr. Krystel Aouad examined the role of musculoskeletal ultrasound and hydrodilatation in adhesive capsulitis management, demonstrating how image-guided interventions continue to reshape diagnosis and treatment with greater precision and patient safety.
The discussion then shifted toward modern clinical reasoning and technology-enhanced rehabilitation.
In his presentation on integrating VALD systems into assessment, Dr. Charbel Najem demonstrated how objective measurements and data-informed tools can strengthen clinical decision-making while remaining grounded in practitioner expertise and patient-centered care.
Joining online from Belgium, Prof. Annelies Maenhout concluded the morning panel with an advanced discussion on shoulder instability and neuroplasticity. Her lecture highlighted emerging evidence showing how nervous system adaptations influence recovery and treatment outcomes, reinforcing the importance of individualized rehabilitation strategies.
The afternoon sessions broadened the discussion from rehabilitation toward intervention and performance.
Dr. Elie El Dahdah explored ultrasound-guided dry needling for calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus, demonstrating how procedural precision and imaging technologies can improve treatment effectiveness in complex shoulder conditions.
The performance dimension followed with Mr. Amir Eid’s session, “The Explosive Shoulder Blueprint: Stability > Strength > Speed,” which linked rehabilitation principles with athletic development and strength-conditioning systems. His presentation underscored the importance of building movement control and joint stability before progressing toward higher levels of performance.
The seminar concluded scientifically with a practical workshop led by Mr. Kinan El Khatib on advanced shoulder testing through VALD technologies. Translating theory into hands-on practice, the session allowed participants to engage directly with data-driven tools increasingly used across rehabilitation and sports-performance settings.
Alumni Gathering and Departmental Legacy
In collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR), the day continued with the first alumni gathering of the Department of Physical Therapy.
More than a reunion, the gathering offered graduates an opportunity to reconnect with faculty members, colleagues, and the shared experiences that shaped their journey at UA.
The gathering opened with remarks by Fr. Jean Al Alam, Vice Rector for Integral Human Development, followed by an address from Ms. Amani Abdel Samad, OAR Coordinator.
In his remarks, Fr. Jean Al Alam reminded attendees that the true purpose of knowledge extends beyond acquiring expertise to improving the lives of others. Reflecting on the vocation of physical therapy, he described the profession as one that restores not only movement, but often dignity, hope, and renewed possibility. Addressing alumni as a living extension of UA’s mission, he reaffirmed that their relationship with the University does not end at graduation, but continues through belonging, service, and shared purpose.
A particularly meaningful moment of the gathering came through the remarks of Dr. Veronica El Kassis, Assistant Professor at UA and alumna of the Department, whose presence reflected the enduring bond between the University and its graduates.
The gathering unfolded in a warm atmosphere of dialogue and celebration, accompanied by a musical performance from alumni Rodolph Sayegh, Class of 2020.
Addressing alumni earlier in the day, Fr. Saghbiny summarized the spirit that carried through the event: “You are not merely graduates. You are partners in the success of this University and ambassadors of its values in the professional field.”
Advancing Rehabilitation Sciences
By bringing together scientific innovation, institutional vision, accreditation excellence, and alumni engagement within a single day, the launch of UA’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the seminar “Optimizing Shoulder Function” reflected the Department’s ongoing commitment to shaping the future of rehabilitation sciences through education, research, innovation, and human-centered healthcare practice.
Aligned with the University’s mission and values, the initiative also contributed to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, reaffirming UA’s commitment to advancing healthcare education, innovation, and meaningful service to society.