SLU PT Director of Clinical Education Enjoys Memorable Time Spent at Pro-Bono Clinic

Pro-Bono Trip Spotlight - Hillside Health Care International
by Carol Beckel, PT, PhD, Director of Clinical Education

This was my 11^th trip to Belize and my 9^th opportunity to volunteer at Hillside Health Care International (HHCI). My time at HHCI is always special and allows me the opportunity to return to my roots as a physical therapist. It also provides me the opportunity to be a clinical instructor (CI) which is my passion now for nearly 25 years. This year was special as I was the CI for two SLU PT students.

Tessa Fate and Natalie Lynch (DPT Class of 2018) presenting to other students on the differential diagnosis for patients of back pain in the clinic during their time at Hillside Health Care International

In my role as the Director of Clinical Education, I review the progress of students in the clinic from afar. It is an incredible opportunity to witness the growth of confidence and skill in students first-hand.

Natalie Lynch, Tessa Fate, and I at the conclusion of a mobile clinic in Otoxha, a village 50 miles from the Hillside Health Care International campus.

This year was also unique as I helped close out the term as rehab director for another Billiken, Carley Kirsch, PT, DPT. I was privileged to be on the ground as she started in this role and at the end of her term.

HHCI Rehabilitation Director Carley Kirsch PT, DPT presenting to students on the Community-Based Rehab program at Hillside Health Care International in her role as Rehab Director

HHCI is my 2nd home and it is always a wonderful experience to be back working side-by-side with the incredible staff and volunteers that provide excellent patient care in the Toledo District.

Carol Beckel with Amira, Rehab Tech at Hillside Health Care International 

SLU PT Alumni Spotlight - Carley Kirsch PT, DPT

SLU PT Alumni Spotlight - Carley Kirsch PT, DPT

Rehabilitation Director
Hillside Health Care International
Hometown: Hamilton, Ohio
Current Town/City: Punta Gorda, Belize

SLU DPT Class of 2011

Interests, Activities, Clubs, and Professional Organizations
International Public Health, Hillside Health Care International rehab committee

If you could come back to SLU and teach a class, which class would you like to teach?

If I could teach one class at SLU, I would teach Basic Exam. This was the first hands on class in our curriculum that made me fall in love with the profession. Although I spent many sleepless nights memorizing muscle origins and insertions, the foundational knowledge from that course has helped me to become the practitioner I am today.

What was the most valuable lesson — inside or outside the classroom — you learned at SLU?

The most valuable lesson I learned at SLU was being a true woman for others. I was raised in a family and community that values service, however SLU was the first place I was able to explore my own passion and love for assisting others. Participating in campus ministry service trips, make a difference day, Relay for Life, and Campus Kitchen allowed me to explore my ability to contribute to the community. In addition, the physical therapy clinical education team first introduced me to my lifelong love of international service by offering a clinical rotation at Hillside.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

My greatest professional accomplishment has been managing the rehabilitation department at Hillside Clinic in Punta Gorda, Belize. I spend my days serving the patients of the local community at our outpatient clinic and being welcomed into the homes our homebound community members. I also get the opportunity to collaborate with community members and other organizations to establish sustainable programs to provide a lifetime of care for our patients. One of the most gratifying aspects of my job is working with an interdisciplinary team of both students and professionals to provide optimal care to our patients.

What advice do you have for students getting ready to graduate with their DPT?

Be persistent and continue to make personal and professional goal for yourself. Even after graduation, take each day as a learning opportunity.

Your term as the Rehabilitation Director at Hillside Healthcare International ends soon. What can you tell us about your experience?

As the rehab director at Hillside, I have gained more from the community than I could ever repay. The relationships that I have made with staff, patients, community members, students, and other volunteers will last a lifetime. These are relationships and connections that I am excited to pass on to a future rehab director. Interested applicants can learn more information about the position by following this link: https://www.idealist.org/en/volunter-opportunity/12edf4425d8b4afda695dcfd0066db78-rehabilitation-director-hillside-health-care-international-eldridgeville

This is one of several posts featuring SLU PT Alumni experiences. The Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy wants to recognize the exciting and innovative things our alumni are doing, here in St. Louis and around the world. For more information for and about SLU alumni experiences go to: http://www.slu.edu/alumni-and-donors/.