Perspectives Spring 2015

PERSPECTIVES • SPRING 2015 46 was definitely an issue. Students in our program who speak Span- ish volunteer as translators in the clinic, but most of our students do not live in the Tampa area. “We’ve also collaborated with the University of South Florida (USF) Health Sciences Depart- ment,” he added. “In fact, the director of the USF Health Sci- ences Department, Dr. Claudia Cooperman, heard that we were looking for volunteers for our partnership with the JCHC. She reached out to assist, and now her program provides student translators for us every week. It’s a win-win situation because her students gain exposure to the PT profession and we have transla- tors to assist us in providing pro-bono care. In fact, one of the USF volunteers is now a first-year student here at the Tampa Campus.” Jessica Estrada, a fourth-year Tampa PT student who has vol- unteered at the JCHC on most Fridays for the past year, was awarded the Altruism Award for her willingness to assist class- mates and patients. When asked how her involvement has im- pacted her as a student in the program, she stated that “Work- ing as an interpreter has pro- vided me the opportunity to expand my knowledge as a stu- dent in many ways. Not only have I learned from my profes- sors individually, but I also had the opportunity to see how they can all evaluate and treat differ- ently and still have successful outcomes. I also got to see peo- ple with all kinds of diagnoses that have helped me integrate the information I am learning at school. I’m so thankful that I chose the Hybrid D.P.T. Pro- gram because the flexible hours have afforded me the time to volunteer and gain these incred- ible experiences.” Estrada also has appreciated meeting and mentoring USF undergraduate interpreters. “Working with other USF stu- dent translators that are inter- ested in going to PT school has increased my awareness of the benefits of being a student in NSU’s Hybrid D.P.T. Program,” she added. “I have been able to explain to them what I have gained from this type of educa- tion, provide them with infor- mation about our program, and give them information about the application process.” Partnering with the JCHC has also positively impacted our fac- ulty members. According to Tim Miller, D.P.T., PT, GCS, assistant professor, the benefits impact faculty members both in and out of the classroom. “Being in- volved with the Judeo Christian Health Clinic provides a clinical avenue to show students our commitment to the physical therapy core values, specifically altruism, professional duty, and social responsibility. The unique format and logistics of the JCHC have put primary care PT on the forefront,” he stated. “In other words, there is not the luxury of an immediate follow up, but rather the PT needs to provide a thorough examina- tion/evaluation as well as a com- prehensive and progressive PT Tampa PARTNERING