Physical Therapy Students from University of Hartford Have an Impact in Saipan
/Six third-year students in the University of Hartford’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program flew to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands this summer. There they spent three weeks providing 254 patient visits at Eucon Medical Health Services, helping to relieve pain and improve the patients’ quality of life.
According to UHart Assistant Professor TJ Bellama, who accompanied the students, the trip not only filled a gap in patient care in an under-resourced region, it also gave the students valuable experience in treating patients from different cultures, who may experience and report pain in different ways.
About two-thirds of the patients were military veterans. Bellama explains that most suffered from chronic musculoskeletal issues, some of which went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for up to 20 years.
“This is the only care of this caliber these patients have access to,” Bellama said. “Some traveled in from other islands.”
The students also had an opportunity to explore the island and to share in its close-knit community. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Saipan during World War II, and two of the students, whose relatives served on Saipan and neighboring Tinian, were honored as part of the festivities.
The mayor of Saipan presented Katherine Bray DPT’25 and Cara DiMercurio DPT’25 with medals to take back to their families, representing the continued gratitude of the people of the Marianas.
Other members of the team also felt a personal connection to the island’s military history. Christopher Bellino DPT‘25 said, “Throughout my childhood, I’d always heard about the Northern Mariana Islands because of my father who was stationed in Guam for the Air Force. It felt surreal to be able to go to the same area.”
Because of his experiences, Bellino says he is considering looking for a position where he can help underserved patients overseas after he graduates.
“It was the best feeling in the world to be able to provide quality care for those who do not normally receive it,” he said. “Just like my parents, this has impacted my life in the most positive way.”
The students will be offering a presentation about their experiences on September 4, from 12:45 – 2:00 p.m, in Wilde Auditorium on the University campus. More information about UHart’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program can be seen here.
