Physical Therapy enhances JayDoc Free Clinic

Jul 15, 2009

The JayDoc Free Clinic continues to expand its value to the local community.

Part of the University of Kansas Medical Center, JayDoc provides urgent and preventive care services to the uninsured and underserved population of greater Kansas City. One of its latest offerings: physical therapy rehabilitation, a volunteer-based effort to further the scope of treatment available to individuals in need.

“These services serve the community and provide important educational experiences for our students,” said Lisa Stehno-Bittel, PhD, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation chair. “The unique aspect of JayDoc is that it is organized and administered by student volunteers. Our upper-level students mentor the first-year students in examination, treatment and the administration of physical therapy practice.”

JayDoc, launched in 2003, also offers ophthalmology, diabetes and women’s health services. It serves about 1,800 patients per year during its operating hours Monday and Wednesday evenings. The clinic is at the corner of Rainbow and Southwest boulevards, about a mile north of the main campus.

Through the PT program, patients with a doctor’s referral have access to a full range of rehabilitation options. Student volunteers, under the direct supervision of licensed physical therapists, evaluate and treat orthopedic problems and help post-stroke individuals regain mobility.

The students, who are in the doctor of physical therapy degree program, have the opportunity to interact with individuals in great need of their services. 

“JayDoc is unlike most outpatient services that are restricted by insurance,” said Linda Denney, PT, director of the clinic’s physical therapy services. “As long as the patient is showing progress, we’ll continue to provide our services until their therapy goals are met.”

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The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program of the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Kansas Medical Center is to prepare highly competent, critically thinking physical therapists committed to lifelong professional development. Through an evidenced-based clinical and didactic curriculum, their mission is to foster autonomous, professional practitioners, who provide high-quality, efficient, ethical and compassionate care to diverse and underserved populations.

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