PT in the Spotlight: Robin Dole, PT, EdD, PCS

Last fall at Widener University, a new student-run pro bono clinic opened its doors to uninsured and underinsured residents of the local Chester, PA, community. Physical therapist Robin Dole — an Associate Dean of the School of Human Service Professions and Program Director of the Institute for Physical Therapy Education — shares what it takes to get such an ambitious project up and running.

Students Provide Momentum for Campus Clinic
The idea for the pro bono clinic at Widener was hatched more than 2 years ago. At that time, PT students were already very involved in various service learning and community engagement projects through the university. In fact, there was a waiting list of students who wanted to volunteer at a pro bono clinic in nearby Philadelphia. As the department looked at their strategic plan, exploring ways to further their mission and be innovative in the future, students proposed operating a pro bono clinic near campus. "The students pointed out that we live in a community that is underserved and should do our part to address that need," Dole explains. "So from the start, students were the impetus for the clinic."

Plans for the clinic moved forward quickly. "Although we had no major donor," describes Dole, "everything seemed to fall in line." For example, they gained an ideal spot for the clinic to operate when research space was freed up in a building that is just 5 blocks from campus. The department received a capital improvement grant to be used to help improve the accessibility of the clinic space. Graduating classes also donated gifts to the clinic, such as money for new flooring. A current student's father volunteered his services to install the floor. In addition, a vendor took the clinic on as a special project, donating equipment and giving the university "wonderful rates" for other equipment purchases, as well.

Establishing a Sustainable Model for the Future of the Clinic
On September 15, 2009, the Chester Community Physical Therapy Clinic opened its doors to patients. According to Dole, during the first 3 months, patients were seen on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Six clients have been treated, accounting for a total of 62 visits. Primarily second- and third-year PT students provided the examinations and interventions under the direction of PA-licensed PTs — Widener alumni and faculty volunteers. A total of 22 students have cycled through the clinic so far, along with 6 alumni.

The students' involvement is totally voluntary, as they don't get paid for their services or earn class credit. A student board of 8 members — positions that are "coveted" by Widener's PT students — oversees the clinic's operation. Dole believes this type of model for a pro bono PT clinic is "sustainable." Although there are faculty members who have been closely involved with the clinic since its inception, she explains, it's not just one person's "baby" that would fail when he or she left. Rather, the students' commitment to service and the continued success of the clinic will help provide a steady stream of student volunteers, plus those who'll return as alumni volunteers in the future.

Providing Opportunity for Needy in the Community and PT Students, Too
Widener University's pro bono clinic provides not only much-needed medical services to the local community, but also the opportunity for the student volunteers to gain valuable experience by practicing their PT skills and learning how to run a practice. Another advantage for practicing in this type of setting, Dole observes, is that patients can be treated based on their medical needs, without the typical constraints imposed by insurance. "The students need to use the resources prudently," she adds, but don't have to deal with having insurance companies dictating patient treatment plans.

Having a Hand in Influencing a Whole New Generation of PTs
Beginning in January 2010, the clinic hours have expanded — opening on Monday evenings for pediatric patients and on Wednesdays to offer community education programs. With a specialty in pediatrics, Dole plans to volunteer at the clinic during the new Monday hours. Although her PT career has eventually led her to academia, she has maintained her clinical practice a few hours each week. After being on a hiatus after the birth of her twins, Dole is looking forward to being back in the clinic where she enjoys having a direct, positive influence on her patients. Through her leadership role in academia she says, "I now have a hand in influencing a whole new generation of PTs, who in turn are influencing a full life span of patients."

Robin is a member of DavisPTnetwork, and you can connect with her there at https://www.davisptnetwork.com/members/rdole