Back to our future: celebrating the past and shaping the future

Author(s): S. Bustard - Pages: 8-13

Abstract

The seventieth anniversary of Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) is a truly significant event. The organization has stood the test of time by continually developing and changing in order to be relevant to clinical practice, patients and its members. It is important to look back at how we got here. Originally named the Obstetric Physiotherapy Association, POGP was founded in 1948, the same year as the UK National Health Service. There have been many developments in health, society, politics and technology over the past 70 years, and we can assess POGP’s progress within the context of these. It is good to know our roots, and remember those who have built our professional network. However, it is also important to be forward-facing and to look to our future. By reflecting, perhaps we can see opportunities, trends and gaps in our scope of practice or treatments, and try to have some influence over shaping our future. Four physiotherapists, one from each country making up the UK, were asked to give their personal reflections in the form of their top five changes and top five predictions, in addition to the author’s own. This is an attempt to take a snapshot – maybe a selfie – of POGP on its seventieth anniversary. This article is not academic or based on research, but offers personal views, and it is hoped that this will be the start of a conversation. I encourage all members to reflect widely on their own clinical journey, and think about how we can celebrate our past and shape our future.

Keywords: anniversary, future, professional network, reflection