Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 19: Father Muller College of Physiotherapy (FMCOP), located in the bustling city of Mangaluru, Karnataka, is a leader in physiotherapy education and rehabilitation. An integral part of the Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), the college has earned a distinguished reputation for its dedication to academic excellence, ethical standards, and patient-centered care.
The journey of physiotherapy at Father Muller began in 1967, marking the institution as one of the first in the region to provide rehabilitation services. Sr Odillia Jacob played a pivotal role in offering physiotherapy services during these early years.
A Legacy of Growth Since 1994
In 1994, the college introduced the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) course, with an initial intake of 40 students, and was initially affiliated with Mangalore University. By 1996, the course earned recognition and affiliation with the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Karnataka. The department's rapid growth became evident when it was divided into well-equipped outpatient and inpatient sectors in February 2002. By October 2004, the outpatient department had been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility.
Over time, the department expanded into specialized areas such as Musculoskeletal, Sports, Neurosciences, Paediatrics, Cardiopulmonary, Women's Health, and Community Rehabilitation. These specialized units not only offer top-tier care to patients but also provide students with real-world experience in diverse fields of physiotherapy.
Although the Department of Physiotherapy functioned as part of Father Muller Medical College for several years, the milestone of September 27th, 2023, marked the formal establishment of Father Muller College of Physiotherapy as an independent entity. This development paved the way for a new era of focused academic and infrastructural advancement in physiotherapy education. The college’s emphasis on patient care has been central to its success, as it continually integrates patient-focused learning into its curriculum.
The college has also formed valuable international partnerships with renowned universities such as THIM University in the Netherlands and Hekim University in Turkey, fostering international student exchange and research opportunities.
Known for its unwavering commitment to community health, FMCOP organizes various outreach programs and initiatives. These include celebrating global observances like World Down Syndrome Day and Physiotherapy Day, reflecting the college's dedication to promoting awareness, education, and scope of physiotherapy.
FMCOP marked a significant milestone in its journey by celebrating its Pearl Jubilee in 2024. This momentous occasion commemorated 30 years of excellence in physiotherapy education.
Academic Programmes Offered
The college offers a range of programmes designed to cater to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector:
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) – A 4.5-year undergraduate program (including internship) that lays a strong foundation in basic and clinical sciences, preparing students to offer high-quality patient care.
• Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) – A 2-year postgraduate course with specializations in:
o Musculoskeletal and Sports physiotherapy
o Neurological Science
o Cardiopulmonary science
o Paediatric science
FMCOP takes immense pride in its exceptional academic performance. The college boasts a remarkable 100% pass rate in the Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) program, reflecting the high standards of education and training provided. Additionally, both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students regularly secure top ranks in the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) examinations.
This showcases the college’s commitment to excellence in education and the dedication of its students and faculty.
Many of the college's alumni have gone on to excel in the physiotherapy field, further cementing FMCOP’s reputation as a leader in physiotherapy education and patient care.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
The college boasts a modern campus equipped with world-class facilities that include:
• Spacious classrooms with digital teaching aids
• Well-equipped laboratories for anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, electrotherapy, and virtual reality units
• Advanced rehabilitation and exercise therapy units
• Inpatient Rehabilitation Services: Comprehensive rehabilitation for various conditions at the 1250+ bed Father Muller Medical College Hospital, giving students hands-on experience while ensuring the highest standard of patient care
• Sports Rehabilitation Unit: Focused on sports injury recovery and injury prevention techniques, directly benefiting athletes and individuals recovering from injuries
• Pediatric Physiotherapy Unit: Dedicated to treating children with developmental and physical challenges, emphasizing the importance of early intervention for improved patient outcomes
• Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit: Advanced tools for treating neurological conditions like stroke and spinal cord injuries, providing critical care to patients in need of intensive rehabilitation
• Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Unit: Equipped for managing heart and lung conditions through physiotherapy, improving the quality of life for patients with chronic conditions
• Women’s Health and Wellness Unit: Specializes in pre-and post-natal care, pelvic health, and wellness programs, supporting women’s health at every stage of life
• Research and Innovation Center: Supports faculty and students in advancing physiotherapy knowledge through research, which directly translates into improved treatment methodologies for patients
• Library and Study Resources: A well-stocked library with textbooks, journals, and digital resources, enhancing both academic and clinical knowledge
• Auditorium and Seminar Halls: Modern spaces for lectures, seminars, and workshops
• Sports and Recreational Facilities: Gymnasium, outdoor sports courts, and indoor activity areas for physical fitness
• Hostel and Accommodation: Comfortable hostel facilities for out-of-town students with necessary amenities
Commitment to Holistic Development
Apart from academics, the college places great emphasis on co-curricular and extracurricular activities, encouraging students to participate in sports, cultural events, and community outreach programmes. Workshops, CME programs, and research presentations are regularly held to foster continual learning, benefiting both students and the patients they will care for in the future.
Vision for the Future
Guided by the motto of FMCI, ‘Heal and Comfort’, Father Muller College of Physiotherapy continues to evolve as a center for academic excellence and ethical practice. It is committed to producing globally competent physiotherapists who uphold the values of compassion, integrity, and professional excellence, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care.
Faculty
Prof Cherishma D’Silva, principal and HOD, dept of cardio-respiratory sciences
Prof Sydney Roshan Rebello, professor and HOD, dept of neurological sciences
Dr KM Garima Gupta, professor, dept of neurological sciences
Anupama K, associate professor and HOD, dept of paediatric sciences
Dr Majeshwar Sahana Srinivas Kamath, associate professor, dept of paediatric sciences
Leah Mohandas, associate professor and HOD, dept of musculoskeletal sciences
Rinku Roshan, assistant professor, dept of neurological sciences
P Chaitra Bhat, assistant professor, dept of musculoskeletal sciences
Jaya P, assistant professor, dept of musculoskeletal sciences
Pai Sheetal Vivek, assistant professor, dept of musculoskeletal sciences
Pandavara Roshani Ranmalbha, assistant professor, dept of musculoskeletal sciences
Cyanna Joseph D’Souza, assistant professor, dept of musculoskeletal sciences
Gatty Aishwarya Prabhakar, assistant professor, dept of cardio-respiratory sciences
Christy Tomy, lecturer, dept of cardio-respiratory sciences
Nikitha, lecturer, dept of cardio-respiratory sciences
Nishanthgowda H L, lecturer and clinical in charge, dept of community physiotherapy & women’s health
S Ajaykumar, lecturer, dept of community physiotherapy & women’s health
Contact:
Father Muller College of Physiotherapy,
(A Unit of Father Muller Charitable Institutions)
Father Muller Road,
Kankanady,
Mangaluru - 575 002,
Karnataka, INDIA