The initial proposal to create a new Academic Master's program was conceived by a group of faculty members from UFTM, who have been conducting research in a consistent and balanced manner since 2011. Similarly, the group of faculty from UFU has been striving to maintain and strengthen their research lines through the development of research projects, the pursuit of funding, and the establishment of partnerships.
Given the existence of some joint projects between UFTM and UFU, the idea of creating a joint Master’s program emerged, aiming to unite two well-established undergraduate programs with strong evaluations, particularly in the field of Physical Therapy (according to SINAES and other assessment systems).
With the objective of increasing both the quality and quantity of research projects developed at the respective institutions, strengthening the faculty of both universities, and enabling students to exchange knowledge and participate in collaborative research projects, discussions about the possibility of creating a Stricto Sensu Graduate Program began.
Faculty members from UFTM and UFU have been developing relevant projects funded by research support agencies, in collaboration with undergraduate students participating in scientific initiation programs. Additionally, some of these professors are already affiliated with other Master’s programs in different fields. The existing academic ties and geographical proximity between the institutions sparked interest in joining forces to implement a high-level joint program with national impact.
As a result, a committee was formed, composed of faculty members from both institutions, with the goal of discussing, developing, and implementing the Joint Academic Master’s Program in Physical Therapy of the Triângulo Mineiro region. Meetings were held among committee members, as well as with the research provosts, and external consultations were conducted with already-established joint graduate programs. These meetings addressed various aspects of the proposal’s structure, such as the drafting of the program’s regulations, administrative arrangements between the host and partner institutions, project development, definition of the area of concentration and research lines, and planning of a curriculum aligned with the program's goals.
These efforts culminated in the creation of the Academic Master’s Program in Physical Therapy, in a joint format, between the Physical Therapy programs of UFTM and the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU). This proposal broadens territorial reach, strengthens the faculty of both institutions, and allows students to exchange knowledge and participate in collaborative research projects between the universities.
Therefore, the creation of a new Academic Master’s Program in Physical Therapy will soon foster the growth of both institutions. Through the development of high-quality research, the program will enhance the national and international visibility of the courses involved.