Footnotes - Fall 2023 - 15

Serving Our Community
One Step at a Time
By Rameesha Asif-Sattar, WUCPM Class of 2026
About 75% of Americans will experience foot problems at
one time or another in their lives. Of those Americans, many
are of underserved and uninsured communities who face
barriers to accessing proper healthcare. Specifically, those
experiencing homelessness will walk an average of 10 miles
per day relying heavily on their feet as their primary source
of transportation. In addition, underserved populations have
a high rate of under-treated diabetes making them a high risk
for foot health issues.
To address these needs for the community in Pomona,
CA, PCHAT Foot and Ankle Clinic was re-established at
Western University of Health Sciences in collaboration with
the Pomona Community Health Action Team (PCHAT).
PCHAT is a student-led, inter-collaborative clinic that
provides free health screenings and patient education
throughout the year to the underserved, uninsured, and
undocumented community of Pomona since 1995. It is
a service fueled each year by the passion of students and
faculty from each of WesternU's programs providing handson
learning experiences to future practitioners. During
the COVID-19 pandemic, like many other organizations,
PCHAT and its branch of Foot and Ankle Clinic had to shut
down. Second year DPM student, Rameesha Asif-Sattar,
with the support of Dr. Rebecca Moellmer, Assistant Dean
and Associate Professor at the WesternU College of Podiatric
Medicine, reintroduced PCHAT Foot and Ankle Clinic to
once again be able to provide free foot and ankle screenings
to the vulnerable population of Pomona.
CPMA Holiday Drive Socks donated part of care kits to
the Pomona Community at PCHAT Foot and Ankle Clinic
To prepare for the return of the PCHAT Foot and Ankle
Clinic, funds were essential to afford medical equipment and
supplies required for foot and ankle screenings. By the help
of students and faculty spreading the word with family and
friends, the clinic was able to raise an incredible $3,000 to
support its mission in serving the Pomona community.
FALL 2023
15
Footnotes - Fall 2023

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