On March 10, the Department of Fundamental Disciplines of the Rivne Medical Academy hosted an informative and extremely warm event dedicated to animal therapy, in particular one of its areas — canister therapy (therapy with the participation of dogs).

The event was attended by a psychologist, an animal therapist, as well as students of the departments of "General Medicine", "Nursing" and future physical therapists. During the meeting, the participants had the opportunity to learn more about the therapeutic effect of animals on the psycho-emotional state of a person, the principles of animal therapy and the possibilities of its application in medical and rehabilitation practice.

Particular attention was paid to canister therapy — a method of rehabilitation and psychological support with the participation of specially trained dogs. Such therapy helps to reduce anxiety and stress levels, improve emotional state, develop communication skills, empathy and motivation for recovery. Canister therapy is effectively used in working with children, people with disabilities, patients after injuries, as well as in supporting mental health.

An important component of the event was the cooperation and interaction of two departments - the Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and the Department of Fundamental Disciplines. Such interdepartmental interaction contributes to the combination of theoretical knowledge with practical rehabilitation methods, forms a comprehensive approach to the training of future medical specialists and opens up new opportunities for the introduction of modern therapeutic methods into the educational process.

Holding such events is extremely important, because they:

• expand the professional outlook of future medical workers;

• introduce students to modern methods of rehabilitation and psycho-emotional support;

• form empathy, humanity and a sensitive attitude towards patients;

• demonstrate the practical application of innovative therapeutic approaches in medicine. The curator of the event – Mariana Kaskiv.