When students in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program approached the faculty at Widener University to open a community physical therapy clinic, the idea was welcomed with open arms. The Chester Community Physical Therapy Clinic opened on the campus of Widener University in September 2009. Kerstin Palombaro, PT, PhD, Community Engagement Coordinator at the Institute for Physical Therapy Education at the Widener University shares her experiences with PT Talker on the ways a community clinic can benefit physical therapy students and the surrounding community.

Located near Philadelphia in Chester, Pennsylvania, the clinic serves underinsured and uninsured clients who have been prescribed physical therapy treatment by a physician. The clinic is staffed by volunteers. Undergraduate volunteers work the receptionist desk. Physical therapy graduate students and a supervising licensed physical therapist see and evaluate the patients.   

Widener University provides funding for the clinic utilities and space. The rest of the clinic is funded by donations and a $5 co-pay collected from patients. Much of the equipment used in the clinic was donated by local hospitals and clinics or purchased at a deep discount from a local physical therapy equipment supplier, M.A. Rallis.  Find out more about this unique pro bono physical therapy clinic by listening now.

 

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