Fisioterapia, filantropía y poliomielitis : actores, instituciones y políticas internacionales en la conformación de la fisioterapia en Colombia, 1930-1954
Thesis
This paper analyzes the first stage of the process of construction and institutionalization of Physiotherapy in Colombia, within the framework of US policies in the economic, political, social and health field, as well as the influence of local actors and institutions related to political policies, between the years 1930-1954. During the period between 1930-1954, Colombia was influenced by international political agents, especially Americans, in its process of transformation from an agro-exporting state to a developing state that begins to gradually become industrial. In effect, this process was especially promoted by the United States, within the framework of policies developed and oriented towards the defense of Pan-Americanism and the anti-communist struggle. These policies favored, among many other things, the transformations in the fields of public health and medical education, but also, in Physiotherapy. In this context, the repeated polio epidemics occurred in the country during this period (Bogotá 76 and 38 cases in 1930 and 1939 respectively, Cúcuta 30 cases in 1936, Cali 179 cases in 1939, Medellín 19 cases in 1940, among others) ( Malagón-Castro, 1984), as well as the motor sequels left by them, stimulated the organization of specialized medical associations, philanthropic projects promoted by businessmen, and political actions, in order to face the aftermath.
