Wed, Feb 10 2010
|
|
Published November 16, 2008 11:56 pm - PITTSBURG, Kan. — Students, physicians and patients have trouble deciding who the service benefits most, but they agree on one thing: The Free Clinic, thought to be the only one of its kind, has become an integral part of the community and one they’re not prepared to let end. Pittsburg free clinic seeking donors By Andra Bryan Stefanoni
news@joplinglobe.com PITTSBURG, Kan. — Students, physicians and patients have trouble deciding who the service benefits most, but they agree on one thing: The Free Clinic, thought to be the only one of its kind, has become an integral part of the community and one they’re not prepared to let end. The clinic is managed and operated by the Pittsburg State University Pre-Med Club, and a roster of volunteer physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. It offers treatment of chronic and seasonal illnesses to a population that has no access to health care. Operating costs run $4,000 to $5,000 per year, said senior Emily Walters, who — with senior John-Michael Watson — is co-director of the clinic. “This is a powerful experience for everyone involved,” Walters said. “To keep our doors open, we apply for grants left and right. We are always on the lookout, but with the economic downturn, it’s hard to get them.” Toward that end, club members manned a booth Saturday and Sunday at Meadowbrook Mall, offering free health screenings including those for blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. The club hoped to generate awareness for the Free Clinic and drum up some donations from those who were screened. Making a difference The club’s juniors and seniors have operated the Free Clinic at Wesley House, 411 E. 12th St., since 1997. Each Tuesday afternoon, they see 10 to 15 patients for treatment of chronic and seasonal illnesses. From start to finish, the students oversee all facets of the operation, including patient assessment and finding funding for the clinic. It is thought to be the only undergraduate-run free clinic in the nation. “When the patients arrive at 4 p.m., our students do initial intake and get family histories, past medical histories, chief complaints, how long they’ve had it, and take vital signs,” Watson said. Physicians arrive at 5 p.m., and students present each case to them. Physicians then conduct exams and make diagnoses, writing prescriptions as necessary. Students are responsible for writing up all charts and lab work. “We also maintain the inventory of supplies, ordering meds, the budget, everything,” Watson said. The chief complaints typically stem from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension to seasonal illnesses such as flu, allergies and sinus infections. What the students learn goes beyond the proper way to take blood pressure, Walters said. The students learn that sociology is a vital component of medicine. 
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
More from the Local News section
Company notifies state of plan to close Neosho operation
Kansas customers present opposition to proposed Empire rate increase |
Print this story
E-mail this story
Post to del.icio.us
Discuss this story
Franklin Tech students showcase their talents w/ slide show
 |
 |
: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
 |
|
|
Published by Newspaper Holding, Inc. 117 East Fourth Street, Joplin, MO 64801 Using our site is your agreement to the terms and conditions. News: news@joplinglobe.com • (417)623-3480 Advertise with the Joplin Globe Copyright © 2006 The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO All rights reserved. 
|
Popular Business directory links - Joplin Apartments | Joplin Attorneys | Joplin Auto Dealers | Joplin Auto Parts | Joplin Auto Repair | Joplin Beauty Salons | Joplin Car Rental | Joplin Dentists | Joplin Doctors | Joplin Flowers | Joplin Hotels | Joplin Insurance | Joplin Loans | Joplin Mortgages | Joplin Movers | Joplin Pizza | Joplin Realtors | Joplin Restaurants | Joplin Storage | Joplin Tax Preparation | Joplin Travel | Joplin Featured | More...
|
|
Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. • CNHI Classified Advertising Network • CNHI News Service |
