Interdisciplinary Service Learning Opportunity: A Nontraditional Approach to Migrant Farmworkers Rehabilitation

Authors

  • Jodan D Garcia Georgia State University
  • Rachel Frank Georgia State University

Keywords:

inter-professional learning, immersion learning, physical therapy, underserved population, volunteerism

Abstract

Interdisciplinary service learning opportunities are recognized as valuable educational tools for health care students. The Farm Worker Family Health Program, based on a community academic partnership model, enables health care students to treat migrant workers in rural Georgia during the annual farmworker migration. The present article describes how this opportunity has been incorporated into a graduate curriculum, including examining the challenges and successes associated with implementing this type of program. An additional aim is to explore the implications of merging interdisciplinary service learning and community partnerships with physical therapy education, specifically how student volunteers and migrant workers may be impacted by their participation.

Author Biographies

Jodan D Garcia, Georgia State University

Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy

Rachel Frank, Georgia State University

Rachael Frank is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Georgia State University. She completed a B.S. in neuroscience at Agnes Scott College in 2015. Her research at Georgia State University includes studying the effect of lumbopelvic manipulation on knee extensor activation. Her interests are in neurologic rehabilitation and civic engagement.

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Published

04/11/2017

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2017)

Section

Insights, Case Studies, and Applications

License

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If the JCEHE decides not to publish a submission, then copyright is transferred back to the author at the time the submission is declined.

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