Lincoln Memorial University's Pro Bono ClinicHannah Wiggs, OT-S & Jillian Pindar, OTD, OTR/LKnoxville, located in the heart of the Appalachian region, faces unique challenges related to healthcare access. In 2023, 12.9% of individuals under the age of 65 in Knoxville were without health insurance, and 20.5% of the population lived below the poverty line—well above the national average of 12.4% (U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, n.d.). Additionally, 10.3% of individuals under 65 in Knoxville are living with a disability (U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, n.d.; Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, 2023). These statistics highlight the critical need for accessible healthcare services in the region, particularly in underserved populations. 
In response to these challenges, the establishment of an occupational therapy pro-bono clinic in Knoxville became a pressing necessity. The clinic’s primary focus is to serve these vulnerable groups, directly addressing healthcare access issues within the community. A key motivator behind the clinic’s creation was the vision of Jillian Pindar, assistant professor, to provide students with a meaningful, authentic learning experience that bridges the gap between didactic coursework and real-world clinical practice. The development of the student-led Pro Bono Clinic began with doctoral capstone student Kaitlyn Knuckles, who took on the project as part of her doctoral work. From January to April 2024, Knuckles collaborated with mentors to conduct needs assessments and write grant proposals. This effort resulted in Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) awarding a mini-grant to Knuckles and Pindar for the clinic's launch, with funding available from May 2024 to May 2025. The months following—May through December 2024—were dedicated to identifying a clinic site, integrating the clinic into the LMU Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) curriculum, securing necessary supplies, and developing a research agenda. The clinic officially opened in January 2025.
The Pro Bono Clinic also benefits from its shared space with LMU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Led by assistant professors Ryan Hanigan and Ian Rheault, the DPT program offers students the opportunity to see patients on Fridays as well. This collaboration fosters an interprofessional environment that enhances the care provided to patients and allows students from both programs to gain valuable hands-on experience. Looking ahead, the Pro Bono Clinic aims to continue serving patients through its partnership with Cherokee Health Systems, while expanding opportunities for interprofessional care and collaboration.
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References: Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. (2023). Economic overview: Knoxville, TN MSA - Q3 2022. Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. https://www.knoxvillechamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Economic-Overview-Knoxville-TN-MSA-Q3-2022.pdf U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). QuickFacts: Knoxville city, Tennessee. U.S. Department of Commerce. Retrieved February 20, 2025, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/knoxvillecitytennessee |
The LMU OTD program partnered with Cherokee Health Systems in Knoxville to offer services to individuals within the care system. Referrals are received from Cherokee Health’s primary care providers, as well as from LMU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) faculty and students. Jillian Pindar oversees the faculty supervisors—Colleen Bullen, Debbie Ruediger, and Acacia Gambrel—as well as student involvement at the clinic. Additionally, a student board, comprising four exceptional individuals—Samantha Mills, Grace Lehman, Caitlin Hrabec, and Madison Lamon—was formed to provide opportunities for students to learn about grant management and program development. These students were selected based on their leadership skills and dedication to ensuring the clinic’s success. Each day the clinic is in operation, one student board member is on-site to support and contribute to its ongoing success. Additionally, Katie Kinney, a third-year doctoral capstone student, contributes to both the student experience and mentorship for the second-year OTD students.