Within the framework of the Erasmus+ project “Innovative Rehabilitation Education - Introduction of new master degree programs in Ukraine”, a working meeting of the project partners took place in Riga on January 17-18, 2019. Together with the scientists from Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, a delegation of Ukrainian universities (I. Horbachevsky Ternopil State Medical University, Sumy State University, National University of Physical Education and Sports, Lviv University of Physical Culture, Professional Competency Testing Center) revised Master’s programs in Physical Therapy to make them in step with those of European educational institutions. A productive cooperation allowed developing a clear plan of further work within the project, establishing a long-term communication with European partners.

During presentation of higher educational institutions and their contribution in the project, the European and Ukrainian colleagues had the opportunity to share their achievements and present their own vision of improving the training of physical therapy specialists. The presentation by the TNMU delegation (Professor Popovych D.V., Associate Professor Zavidniuk Yu.V.) was of great interest, in particular information about the simulation center. It received positive feedback and was approved by the European partners, since such a system of practical skills assessment is necessary and significant. In addition, a video about the new specialty of Physical Therapy, Ergotherapy mastered by students at TNMU was presented. TNMU is one of the first among the medical universities in Ukraine, which initiated training of bachelors and masters in this specialty.

During the visit, a meeting with the management of the Latvian Academy of Sports was also held. The delegates reviewed the peculiarities of the laboratories for study of athletes’ physical activity in order to exchange with Latvian colleagues the experience of students training.

Reports of European colleagues (Anna Karki, Viveka Hoyer-Brea, Faculty of Health and Well-being of Satakunt University (Finland); Professor Jurate Pozeriene, Vice-Rector for Science and Education of Lithuanian Sports University; Professor Natalia Morgulec-Adamovych, the Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, etc.) provided comprehensive information on physical therapists training and detailed recommendations for modifying the training of these specialists at the universities of Ukraine.

The walk through the evening Riga was pleasant and unforgettable. The participants of the meeting learned a lot and admired the unique architecture of the ancient city.