Member May 2026: Charting Your Global Impact: Resources and Leadership Pathways in Rehabilitation (On-Demand)-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session introduced a panel on getting involved in international rehabilitation and global health, featuring Dr. Matthew Bartels, Dr. Maya Therotil, and Dr. Sarah Mahasin. The speakers shared personal pathways into global rehab and emphasized that there is no single route to involvement.<br /><br />Dr. Bartels highlighted the importance of role models, long-term partnerships, and working with international organizations such as the AAP, ISPRM, the UN, and WHO. He stressed that successful global work depends on meeting local needs rather than arriving with assumptions, and he encouraged people to “show up,” build relationships, and learn the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He also described ongoing work in Jamaica, China, and other countries, including education, curriculum development, and mission-based care.<br /><br />Dr. Therotil shared her journey as an international medical graduate from India and her early exposure to community-based rehabilitation. She emphasized starting small, being flexible, and using teaching as a way to expand PM&R globally. She described helping develop curricula, training community health workers, and contributing to programs such as GAPS and international workshops.<br /><br />Dr. Mahasin focused on mentorship, representation, and networking. As an IMG trained outside North America, she found value in mentorship programs, remote teaching, and connecting with organizations and peers across countries. She encouraged trainees to put themselves out there and use both formal and informal opportunities to contribute.<br /><br />Overall, the message was clear: get involved, be curious, connect with others, and start where you are.

Keywords

global rehabilitation

international health

rehabilitation medicine

mentorship

community-based rehabilitation

Sustainable Development Goals

international medical graduates

curriculum development

global partnerships

World Health Organization

networking