Exciting Things Happening at the SOC!
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Eight medical students had a dream of opening a free medical clinic in the Indiana University community. By 2009, that dream became a reality with the opening of the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic (SOC). As a proud sponsor of the clinic, we at Vertis Therapy thought we would highlight the exciting possibilities that are on the horizon.
New space
Currently, the clinic is run from the Neighborhood Fellowship Church on Indianapolis’s east side. While this initially served the needs of the low-income patient, over time more services have been added and the current space no longer fulfills their needs as it relates to physical and occupational therapy.
Recently, PT and OT student board leaders were able to meet with the clinic’s partners and establish a layout for an expansion clinic. They met with architects from Schmidt and Associates to discuss space design and the needed features. Being able to assure patient privacy and having a collaborative practice were two priorities discussed.
Expanded services
Aside from the exciting prospect of more clinic space, the SOC also saw the expansion of PT and OT services offered. Two physical therapy students met with the IU School of Dentistry to discuss how they can collaborate to help patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. They were able to create a working relationship we hope will continue once the new space is established.
Aside from working with the dentistry students, PT and OT students are collaborating with SOC Medicine to help identify patients who can benefit from therapy and educate other disciplines on when to recognize when to refer a patient to therapy.
OT and PT students took part in the first SOC family health day event. They provided screenings for carpal tunnel syndrome as well as musculoskeletal pain and fall risk. Soft tissue massage utilizing tennis balls and stretching were given for people with plantar fascial pain.
They also partnered with SOC Medicine to hold Women’s Health Days to both treat and educate on women’s health issues.
Vertis Therapy has been right there along with the students, helping them in their mission by donating gently used equipment such as computers, walkers, wheelchairs, splints and braces. In addition to being an ongoing sponsor, our partner donated $44,000 in modality equipment. We’re proud of what they’ve accomplished in the last year, and look forward to the exciting new expansion that’s coming soon!