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.