A Case Report of a Student-Led Pro Bono Clinic: A Proposed Model for Meeting Student and Community Needs in a Sustainable Manner

Abstract

The Chester Community Physical Therapy Clinic (clinic) is a student-led pro bono clinic that provides physical therapy services to uninsured and underinsured community members. The purposes of this administrative case report are to describe the creation and implementation of a student-led pro bono clinic model designed to meet student and community needs and to consider its potential for sustainability. Students and faculty created an organizational model with a Student Board at the center of clinic leadership. A Faculty Board provides oversight to the Student Board. State-licensed faculty and alumni provide the direct supervision of the treating student physical therapists. Evaluation of our clinic model was performed using strategies for the creation of sustainable community engagement initiatives. This model of a student-led pro bono clinic has elements of all 8 steps to sustainable community engagement. The model of a student-led pro bono clinic is feasible and sustainable. A student-led pro bono clinic serving the physical therapy needs of the uninsured and underinsured residents in an urban community presents an innovative educational and leadership development opportunity for students and alumni as well as partnership opportunities with the community.