Call for founding members of the European Organization For University Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (UniPRM)

Abstract

Rehabilitation is increasingly recognized as a key component of health systems worldwide. To meet the growing demand for rehabilitation services, it is essential to strengthen academic capacity in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine within universities. Academic structures are critical for training future physicians and professionals, and for advancing research and innovation in rehabilitation. In response to this need, a new European organization has been established: the European Organization of University Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. This organization aims to unite and support university-based educators and researchers in the field, fostering excellence in teaching, research, clinical care, and academic leadership. The initiative has been developed through collaboration with major European and international rehabilitation bodies and is grounded in the values of representativity, inclusiveness, and collaboration. The organization invites current and future university professors in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine to join as founding members and contribute to shaping its mission, structure, and strategic direction. By building a strong academic network across Europe, this initiative seeks to reinforce the foundations of rehabilitation in health systems and promote the development of a skilled and innovative workforce. This commentary outlines the rationale, development, and goals of the new organization and calls for broad participation from the academic community.

Keywords

• academic medical centres
• clinical competence
• curriculum
• faculty, medical
• health workforce
• interdisciplinary communication