Submitted by, Sheliza Thobani, Communications and Public Affairs
GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre’s Neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) Program has newly developed an outpatient, student-run clinic. The student-run clinic was proposed during 2010, and piloted in May of 2011, in order to reduce wait times and provide unique learning opportunities for students. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy students are recruited to work as part of an interdisciplinary team – under the supervision of physical and occupational therapists – to help individuals improve their physical abilities, manage their cognitive changes, promote their community involvement, and provide them with emotional support. 
Stephanie Davidson, an occupational therapy student, shares her experiences during her seven-week term. “I pretty much took on the entire OT role as I made clinical decisions, prepared and ran sessions, and planned treatment processes… It was a great experience to receive real hands-on learning and independence in the work field.” Over the span of seven weeks, Stephanie assisted 10 clients. “My best memory was running my first cognitive memory session – I was able to monitor the client’s progress and we established a bond throughout her treatment.”
According to Darryl Caves, Clinical Instructor of Physiotherapy in the Neuromusculoskeletal Outpatient Program, “the program is still in its early stages, so wait times cannot be measured accurately – however, students during their final placements are able to take on many more clients as they are much more independent and efficient.” Darryl also says that the clinic has received great positive feedback from clients. “Many of them felt their level of care was top notch and have gone on to write letters of appreciation.”
More about the program:
The NMS Program provides support to people with MS, polio, muscular dystrophy, celebral palsy, and many other complex neuromusculoskeletal or neurological conditions. The student-run clinic is a partnership between UBC Department of Physical Therapy, part of Faculty of Medicine, and Vancouver Coastal Health.
For more information about the student-run clinic at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, please contact:
Chris Palmer, Patient Services Manager, Outpatient Programs/Specialized Clinical Services,
Administration at GF Strong
E-mail: chrism.palmer@vch.ca tel: 604-737-6332 @6332