Department of Physical Therapy Assistant Professor and Director of Community Engagement Bonnie Virag (far left, seated), Assistant Professor for Global Health and Health Equity Martha Ndung'u (PharmD '19, far left, standing), and Birmingham Free Clinic Lead Occupational Therapist Sarah McKendry (OTD '22, far right, standing) with Pitt DPT and OTD students during an interprofessional clinic at the Birmingham Free Clinic.
A 2024-2025 University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) Interprofessional Education Seed Award is powering an initiative to provide free health care services to uninsured and medically underserved individuals at the Birmingham Free Clinic (BFC), transforming both student education and community health.
Interprofessional Teams Treat the Whole Person
Once a month, a small interprofessional team of volunteers comes together at the Birmingham Free Clinic in downtown Pittsburgh to lead clinical assessments and interventions for patients and clients. Participants include students and faculty from the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs, students from the School of Medicine, UPMC Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) attending and resident physicians, community health workers, nurses, pharmacists, medical assistants, medical interpreters and AmeriCorps volunteers.
The teams don't only address medical and rehabilitation-related needs—their approach prioritizes treating the whole person. They frequently identify and address patients' unmet social needs and related challenges such as transportation barriers, economic instability, limited social support, food insecurity or health literacy. By working together to leverage community resources and the diverse experiences of current and future clinicians, Birmingham Free Clinic helps patients navigate these barriers which can significantly impact overall health outcomes.
The Interprofessional Education Seed Award was granted to two dedicated clinicians in spring 2024, Pitt Department of Physical Therapy Assistant Professor and Director of Community Engagement Bonnie Virag (DPT ‘16) and Birmingham Free Clinic Lead Occupational Therapist Sarah McKendry (OTD ‘22). They are grateful that the seed award supports a key focus of the clinic—timely acquisition of durable medical equipment, clinical tools or health care services that best support patient care. This offers students the opportunity to engage in meaningful interprofessional teamwork and decision-making.
Department of Physical Therapy Assistant Professor and Director of Community Engagement Bonnie Virag, and Birmingham Free Clinic Lead Occupational Therapist Sarah McKendry (OTD '22)
When selecting equipment, students are encouraged to consider how various supplies can help those facing economic instability. For example, they can provide access to essential mobility aids (such as canes, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs and more) to those who may not otherwise be able to afford them due to financial constraints, underinsurance or lack of insurance coverage. This critical approach ensures that the clinic’s resources are not just technically adequate, but also equitable and responsive to the specific challenges often faced by underserved populations.
Students learn to make patient care decisions by integrating diverse perspectives, applying evidence-based practices and addressing the holistic needs of patients, all while functioning as an integrated and cohesive team.
DPT '23 graduates (left to right) Alexis Zamudio-Torres, Carolina Marrero Rodriguez and Felix Marechal after their participation in an interprofessional clinic at Birmingham. These students spent over 100 hours during the Doctor of Physical Therapy program providing pro bono physical therapy services at the Birmingham Free Clinic.
Student Impact
The clinic’s interprofessional impact is evident in student survey results, based on a validated interprofessional assessment tool called The Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Scale (ICCAS). Survey results reveal pre/post clinic improvements in students’ perceived interprofessional communication, team functioning, collaborative approach and conflict management. Furthermore, student Laura Barret (DPT ‘25) shares about her time at the clinic:
“I worked with a patient whose decades-long back pain was present in simple tasks like cooking and cleaning, and it even prevented her from picking up her young children. She was unable to find care in her country of origin, so she came to America with the hope that someone could help reduce her pain.
“At this unique free clinic, the physicians, occupational therapists and physical therapists worked as a team to rule out life threatening diagnoses and set up an exercise program to alleviate her debilitating pain. One month later, at the follow up appointment, the patient walked in with a smile on her face and greeted us with positivity and gratitude. Her back pain was almost completely nonexistent.”
Similarly, Valerie Jordan (OTD ‘24) states,
“My time at Birmingham Free Clinic allowed me to understand the lens from which other health professional students view the person, the condition, and the surrounding context. It undoubtedly increased my confidence post-graduation as I navigate challenging or unfamiliar situations in my daily work alongside the interprofessional health care team.”
Virag feels the regular group discussions with all participating disciplines reveal that students better understand how systemic issues like disproportionate levels of accessibility impact health outcomes and how interprofessional care can help reduce health disparities.
Pablo Aguilar (DPT ‘25) expresses,
“The Birmingham Free Clinic is truly a remarkable resource that I had the privilege of volunteering at during my first year of physical therapy school. I felt inspired seeing the collaboration amongst all the health care professionals such as pharmacists, medical residents, and of course, the physical therapy and occupational therapy students.
“I witnessed the compassion that was paired with the care being administered to a Hispanic older individual who was the primary caretaker of their spouse. Her main concern was that she would not physically be able to provide for the household, and those delivering her care at the clinic not only took the time to listen, but validated her situation.
“I appreciated the other services offered as well, such as the Food Bank, because as we know, health care goes beyond the walls of your clinic! Since then, I’ve pondered on the possibility of being involved with the establishment of a similar resource back in my hometown of Palmdale, California. Until then , I draw from these experiences to maintain my grit as I navigate my second year of physical therapy school!”
This insight is instrumental in preparing students to advocate for and implement more equitable practices in their future careers.
An interprofessional group of incredible students, faculty and staff at Birmingham Free Clinic during an interprofessional clinic in August 2024.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the project plans to continue utilizing the seed award to purchase items that align with patient needs, ensuring that the clinic’s resources are optimized for the best possible care. Additionally, the project will aim to assess the benefit of this interprofessional clinic on community members, gathering feedback regarding the perceived impact of the clinic services and unique approach to patient care. This data will be crucial in refining the clinic’s services and ensuring they remain responsive to the evolving needs of Pittsburgh community members.
A Thriving Dynamic Partnership
This initiative exemplifies the profound impact that occurs when educational institutions and community resources unite with a shared mission. By prioritizing interprofessional collaboration, community engagement and commitment to equity, this clinic creates a reciprocal benefit—a true win-win. It not only enhances student learning but also elevates the quality of holistic, patient-centered care for the uninsured community. The result is a dynamic partnership where both students and the community thrive, empowering emerging providers to assist patients across all socioeconomic and demographic groups.