BEAR Healthcare: A Model of Education and Community Service

By Stacey Walters

The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine continues to excel in education and community service in Eastern Kentucky. Among its recent notable achievements is the success of its interdisciplinary student-run clinic, a confirmation of the dedication and innovation of its students.

Two visionary second-year KYCOM students, Haven Jacob-Wheatley and Elshaday Sendek, identified a pressing need in their local community. Driven by a shared passion for service and a desire to make a difference, the duo proposed the idea of a student-run clinic. The proposal gained momentum through persistent advocacy, the support of faculty, and the generous support of the American Medical Association (AMA). KYCOM’s AMA Chapter President Jacob-Wheatley and AMA Clinical Director Sendek worked tirelessly to propel the vision.

After months of planning and navigating regulatory requirements, the BEAR Healthcare Clinic opened its doors on August 10, at 8015 Millard Hwy., in Pikeville. It serves the public for free on the second Saturday of each month, accepting walk-ins or scheduled appointments from noon to 4 p.m. It offers specialized medical services to meet patients’ diverse needs, from social work, preventive care, routine check-ups, vaccinations, kids sports physicals, behavioral health sessions, and osteopathic treatment for chronic back, muscle and joint pain therapy.

Students operate under the supervision of experienced providers, including staff, physicians and behavioral health specialists. Physician and KYCOM Assistant Professor of Osteopathic Principles and Practices Damian Cole, D.O., ACEP, KYCOM ’13, believes that KYCOM has excelled in staying mission-focused, and the clinic challenges them to live up to their expectation.

“Helping our students understand the difficulties anyone who lives in a medically underserved area faces when seeking access to affordable, quality, comprehensive healthcare goes beyond the theory of the classroom,” said Cole. “Making it a personal, tangible level of understanding can help them remember the purpose and drive they came here with during the long periods of study and difficult exams.”

Jacob-Wheatley believes that applying what she has learned in real-world scenarios has not only solidified her understanding of medical concepts but also taught her how to think on her feet.

“The impact of the clinic is profound. Patient numbers have soared as locals experience compassionate care and personalized attention. The clinic creates a transformative learning experience for students,” said Jacob-Wheatley. “We are gaining hands-on experience, developing critical thinking skills, learning the intricacies of healthcare delivery in a community setting and building on our love for serving people.”

Sednek has found that studying theories and case studies is just the beginning. It’s the hands-on experience of seeing patients, diagnosing conditions and collaborating with a dedicated team that truly brings those lessons to life, enriching her learning and development as a future physician.

The clinic continues to thrive, evolving with the needs of the community and the aspirations of its student volunteers,” said Sendek. “It has become a cornerstone of KYCOM’s mission to blend education with service, demonstrating the powerful impact that dedicated individuals can have when they come together for a common cause.

The successful operations of the facility can be attributed to its student board members’ exceptional leadership and dedication. Faculty Advisor of the AMA Board Julia H. Smith, D.H.Ed., M.Sc., Vice President Ahmed Tawfik, Secretary and Resolutions Chair Alyssa Hedrick, Membership Chair and Medical Student Outreach Liaison (MSOP) Giovanna Ruffino, and Treasurer and MSOP Liaison Jacob Kahle’s vision have been pivotal in ensuring that the clinic continues to thrive.

Call (606) 262-3043 to schedule an appointment.