Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy students gain clinical and community service experience while attending the University through an optional Service Learning Course.  As of November 2016, 24 students have assisted licensed physical therapists at the Community Rehabilitation Clinic (CRC) in Provo, Utah at total of 524 hours.  One RMUoHP student that has contributed over 70 hours at the CRC is Crystal Miskin.

Crystal related her recent volunteer experience at the Clinic: “I began volunteering in the CRC about 11 months ago and I was impressed with Dr. Clawson’s caring manner with patients.  He valued what they said and, for many, he was the first health care professional to truly listen and validate their situation.  I had the opportunity to be mentored as I began to treat patients and learn of what it meant to be a pro bono-providing clinician. Many of the patients completely lacked the ability to pay for medical care and were very humbled by the manner in which the physical therapist respected them and motivated them to become more involved in their own care.”

“Dr. Clawson has been learning Spanish in order to communicate more effectively with his patients. He speaks Spanish to the best of his ability and his patients genuinely appreciate his sacrifice, patience, and willingness to connect to them. Observing his interaction was incredibly impactful and made me even more proud of the profession I am pursuing. His example and leadership has motivated me to become a pro bono-providing clinician after graduation and to continue my education beyond graduation for the benefit of my patients. I began pursuing research opportunities in the CRC in April and Dr. Clawson was very supportive. He provided encouragement and would assist me in whatever way possible, so that I could complete the abstract and poster for the UPTA and CSM Conferences.”

Crystal also had the opportunity to volunteer in Malawi, Africa this past summer.  During the first part of their stay in Malawi, the RMUoHP students visited orphanages and handed out some of the items they’d brought. This experience deeply affected Crystal.

“They just sleep body-to-body and wall-to-wall with no blankets,” Miskin said. “And I thought, ‘Wow, we made a difference.’ … It was gratifying to see that we were able to give them something they needed in that moment.”  Miskin said it was amazing to see how happy the people were even though they went without some of the simplest conveniences.  Miskin said the time she spent in Malawi reaffirmed her desire to give back. “It was a very good decision,” she said. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Its refueled the flame I had for helping others.”