Dr. Sheldon M. and Denise M. Schwartz, of Montoursville, have established the Schwartz Family Physical Therapy Clinic Fund, a limited duration fund to support the operations of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s recently opened Physical Therapy Clinic.
The $75,000 commitment will cover several years of operation, according to Victoria Hurwitz, director of the physical therapist assistant program. The clinic offers services to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured or have financial barriers to receiving physical therapy. Patients are first evaluated by the program’s clinic physical therapist, who develops a plan of care. Under the physical therapist’s supervision, students implement the plan of care and provide therapeutic interventions to help individuals reduce their pain, increase their mobility and get back to the activities they love.
Dr. Sheldon M. and Denise M. Schwartz, of Montoursville, with Victoria Hurwitz (left), director of the physical therapist assistant program at Pennsylvania College of Technology, in the college's recently opened Physical Therapy Clinic. The couple established the Schwartz Family Physical Therapy Clinic Fund, a limited-duration fund to support the operations of the clinic.
Students not only gain clinical experience, but they also have the opportunity to practice communication skills and relationship building with patients.
Since opening in October, Hurwitz said students have been providing treatments, preparing home exercise programs and documenting physical therapy sessions, just like they will in their clinical education experiences and their first jobs.
“Dr. and Mrs. Schwartz’s generous donation will cover more than five years of operation so that the Physical Therapy Clinic can continue to serve our future physical therapist assistants through hands-on experiences that benefit the community, one patient at a time,” Hurwitz said.
Sheldon worked in the medical field for 45 years, with 37 spent as a pathologist at UPMC Northcentral Pa.’s Williamsport Hospital Laboratory. He retired seven years ago, and he and Denise appreciate that the Williamsport and Montoursville community has been a special place to raise a family. The pair has assisted in the renovation and modernization of W.B. Konkle Library and the construction of two new community playgrounds at Lyter Elementary School and Indian Park, all in Montoursville. Other organizations supported by Sheldon and Denise include the Susquehanna Health Foundation; Children’s Miracle Network; River Valley Regional YMCA, Williamsport branch; the Salvation Army; Lycoming County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Central Pennsylvania Food Bank; and Ohev Sholom Congregation.
“When Victoria first told me about the vision for the Penn College PT Clinic, I could immediately see her enthusiasm for it, and it was clear to us that we wanted to be part of the project,” Sheldon said. “It was our desire to help where the greatest need would be since the money for the initial startup and operations had been so generously supported by President Emeritus Davie Jane Gilmour. Victoria explained that the PT Clinic provides free physical therapy services and brings in no revenue. Financial stability for future clinic operations would be essential to sustain this model. That was all we needed to make our decision. A space for community members in financial need to get much-needed physical therapy treatment at the same time student physical therapist assistants have real-world patient care experiences is a win-win for all involved.”
The commitment of Dr. and Mrs. Schwartz is a beautiful testament to their belief in the mission of the Physical Therapy Clinic, said Loni N. Kline, senior vice president for college relations.
“Not only will their gift allow the clinic to immediately serve the community, but it will also prepare students to make an impact on their professions and thereby to support their own communities,” Kline said. “The college is grateful to the Schwartz family for their thoughtful and impactful philanthropy.”
The clinic will be open during the fall and spring semesters and closed during the summer months. To schedule an appointment or inquire about services at Penn College’s Physical Therapy Clinic, call 570-320-4439 or email ptclinic@pct.edu. A doctor’s referral is required.
To learn more about the physical therapist assistant program, call 570-327-4519 or visit www.pct.edu/pta.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.