Mlynarczyk and Perkins present at National Pro Bono Network Conference

Doctor of Physical Therapy students attended the virtual Pro Bono Network Conference on March 5th. Second-year DPT students, Rebecca Mlynarczyk and Sarah Perkins presented virtually with their community partner, Danielle Butler on the topic of “Building a Community Partnership during a Pandemic.”

The presentation focused on current obstacles, as well as steps required for creating trusting relationships between the Gainesville Housing Authority community, students, and community partners. The multi-disciplinary conference also included presentations from OT, PT, and SLP students from across the country.

The mission of the conference is to facilitate the networking of students participating in student-run pro bono clinics that are delivering rehabilitation healthcare services to the uninsured and underinsured of our communities. UF DPT students present the quality improvement and innovation projects they completed as part of their community engagement groups or for a final year Health Promotion courses.

“The conference provides opportunities for students and faculty involved in pro bono services to share lessons learned,” said Kim Dunleavy, PhD, PT, OCS, clinical professor and Director of Community Engagement.