Physiotherapy

PhD study programme in Physiotherapy, offered by Alma Mater Europaea – ECM will teach you to become professional and skilled health care professionals in the field of medical rehabilitation.

This PhD programme in Physiotherapy is a novelty in Slovenia. We developed it on the basis of the needs for this kind of study, as a study programme of the 3^rd Bologna cycle in Physiotherapy did not yet exist in Slovenia. The program is modern, it introduces the missing basic knowledge in the field of scientific research work and solving scientific problems. It covers evidence-based practice and inter-professional collaboration in healthcare, modern approaches to healthcare and policy, in response to emerging epidemiological trends, scientific views on contemporary theoretical, ethical and sociological concepts in the field of physiotherapy and other health care professions. The program is focused on critical evaluation of research results, development of research methods and transfer of knowledge into practice. Students will deepen their knowledge in the field of physiotherapy, they will be trained in the search for new knowledge sources in a professional and scientific field, trained to take responsibility, to manage demanding systems in health care, and to develop critical reflection and social and communication skills to manage teamwork.

The doctoral student, future doctor of physiotherapy, will understand the importance of knowledge for academic development, will be able to comprehensively understand the techniques of applied research work and advanced academic research, will be capable of assessing complex situations where there is little data, will be able to understand and critically assess complex scientific and research questions, critically evaluate research results, development of new research methods and will be able to transfer knowledge into practice.

This study program will be vertically and horizontally linked to the existing second cycle physiotherapy study program. The study program is composed of compulsory and elective subjects. This will allow candidates to upgrade their knowledge and build on their vertical education in the field of physiotherapy.

Research shows that doctoral studies must be designed in the way to have an original contribution to knowledge. This can be achieved through research projects whose mentoring is carried out by experts in the field of research problem with knowledge from methodological research approaches.

Alma Mater researchers will work together with the Institute for Sports Diagnostics and Physiotherapy (hereinafter referred to as ISDP), which is in the process of establishment, with the aim of transferring modern knowledge and experience of top experts to PhD students and assisting in the conceptual design and application of research projects at Alma Mater.

This way, students will get to know concrete examples in practice, while planning the services would expand their ability of realistic thinking. The ISDP will also deal with the applied research of the human movement: from monitoring the development of children to the study of adaptations and changes in the movement of the adult and the elderly. On the basis of a comprehensive analysis of the motor status, various activities and recommendations for the optimization of exercise and nutrition will be formulated for recreational and top athletes, elderly people and the rest of the population.

Doctoral students must have clinical competencies as well as competencies and responsibilities for training and teaching others, as they will also have to provide transfer of knowledge and good practices. As in other scientific disciplines, academically educated healthcare professionals must be able to conduct research, and from the people they manage, require research work, know how to publish in magazines with a review, know how to write projects, financed through different research funds, and contribute to broader tasks and research obligations for development of the profession.

The emphasis of the doctoral program is on active studies, application of more demanding scientific research methods, problem-based studies and individual studies. The compulsory component of the program is understanding and using various research methods through research projects, scientific writing, publishing and presenting research results to the professional and scientific public.

Courses

Physical Therapy PhD - 1. Year

Physical Therapy PhD - 2. Year

Physical Therapy PhD - 3. Year

Elective Courses

Faculty

Majda BastičProf. Dr.

majda.bastic@almamater.si

Programs:

Graduate: Archives and Records Management, Business Management , Environmental Studies, European Business Studies, Health Sciences, Social Gerontology
Doctorate: Archival Sciences, Physiotherapy, Project Management, Social Gerontology

 

Bibliography: Read more

Programs:

Graduate: Archives and Records Management, Business Management , Environmental Studies, European Business Studies, Health Sciences, Social Gerontology
Graduate: Archival Sciences, Physiotherapy, Project Management, Social Gerontology

CV:

Bibliography: Read more

Professor Dr. Majda Bastič is a distinguished academic specializing in Operations Research and Research Methodology. She serves as Professor in the Department of Quantitative Economic Analysis at Alma Mater Europaea. Her extensive career encompasses teaching, research, and significant contributions to academic leadership, reflecting her dedication to advancing the fields of operations research and sustainable development.

Academic and Professional Background:

Dr. Bastič earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Zagreb in 1987. Her research focuses on applying quantitative methods in innovation management, particularly regarding sustainable development. She has developed measurement scales for eco-quality in services and products, which have significantly contributed to advancing sustainable practices across various industries. Her scholarly work has been published in numerous international journals and presented at scientific conferences worldwide, highlighting her influence and expertise in the field.

Teaching and Mentorship:

Throughout her tenure, Dr. Bastič has taught courses in Operations Research, Operations Management, and Research Methodology at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has supervised numerous students, providing guidance in their academic and research pursuits. Her commitment to education is evident in her development of curricula and teaching materials that seamlessly integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring a rich learning experience for her students.

Editorial and Leadership Roles:

Dr. Bastič has held several prominent positions within academic institutions. She served as the Vice Dean for Part-Time Studies at the Faculty of Economics and Business, contributing to the university's academic leadership. Additionally, she has been the Editor-in-Chief of recognized journals, overseeing contributions to academic discourse. Her involvement extends to editorial boards of international conferences and serving as a reviewer for various scientific journals, showcasing her commitment to maintaining high standards in research and publication.

Research Interests:

Dr. Bastič's research interests encompass developing and applying methodologies that support the creation of new products contributing to environmental quality and sustainable development. She has explored factors influencing the innovative capabilities of companies, particularly focusing on Slovenian enterprises. Her interdisciplinary approach has also facilitated collaborative research in sectors such as tourism and transportation, furthering her impact on sustainable development practices.

ResearchGate 

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Advantages

The third-cycle graduate will have the knowledge and skills to evaluate research needs and evidence-based healthcare practices, bring about changes in the organization and the team, applying them to and follow the research approach, strengthen confidence and empower health professionals from various health care professions to engage in research activities and participate in decision-making regarding patient care.

Grants & Partnerships

Employability

The doctor of physiotherapy will:

- understand the importance of knowledge for academic development; will be able to understand comprehensively the techniques of applying research work and advanced academic research,

- be capable of judging complex situations where there is little data; will be able to understand and critically assess solving complex scientific research questions, critically evaluate research results, develop new research methods, and transfer knowledge into practice,

- be capable of basic and applied scientific research, publication and presentation of results of research work to the scientific, professional and layman public; will be aware of the limitations of research work and will follow the ethical norms of scientific and research work.

Upon completion of the program, students will be personally responsible, professional and competent experts and researchers with advanced research skills, who will be able to suggest initiatives, change carriers, will be leaders, consultants, and will have developed critical thinking to the research problem.

They will know how to conduct creative and independent scientific research at a more demanding level and solve scientific problems. The study program offers a range of broader competencies that will enable doctors of physiotherapy to work and take action in strategic areas.