Oct 16, 2007

Renovations at Hamilton Elementary School Medical Clinic allows for quality health care to families of the Murphy School District

Phoenix, Ariz. (Oct. 16, 2007) - Hamilton Elementary School Medical Clinic, located in South Phoenix, underwent a complete renovation to provide improved free quality healthcare for underserved families of the Murphy School District.

“These renovations will help us increase the number of patients seen,” said Dr. Christine Girard, Chief Medical Officer of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. “The improved environment allows for easier communication and faster diagnosis and treatment. The care offered in this free clinic is changing the face of the Murphy School District – students are healthier, happier and able to focus on their studies”

The renovations provide the clinic with five new exam rooms and updated medical equipment including new otoscopes/opthalmoscopes, baby scales, nebulizers, audiometry machine and pediatric exam tables. A large ADA bathroom was installed as well as a receptionist area and waiting room. New furnishings are found throughout the center in exam rooms, common areas, and teaching space. Doctors and student clinicians now have a private teaching room with an expanded pediatric medical reference library, updated office technologies such as a dedicated fax, three computers, telephones and office storage equipment to house library and medical records, new textbooks and a Medicinary.

 “Kid-centric” touches can be seen such as a play area, bright, fun colors and a rainforest mural in the common areas. The once white walls in the center are now soft yellow and each patient room is distinguished by a rainforest animal with a large colorful mural inside the room, courtesy of the ASU Art Department. New carpet, paint and lighting were also installed throughout.

Additional clinical upgrades include Spanish training for lead medical practitioners to better communicate with their patients and additional vitamins, nutraceutical supplements and homeopathic remedies

Prior to the renovation, the clinic was housed in an old classroom with an additional small room for office equipment. Rolling partitions were used to separate exam areas and patients sat on metal chairs. Previously donated equipment had become worn out, and the facility had poor lighting.

The Hamilton Medical Clinic serves as an extended site for medical rotations for students at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM). The renovations have allowed SCNM doctors and student clinicians to increase the level and availability of medical care.

"The medical students at SCNM gain a very rewarding experience working at the Hamilton Clinic,” said Dr. Matt Baral, Medical Director, Hamilton Elementary School Clinic. “Not only do they get to work with children, but they get to care for a population that needs our services more than anyone.  It reminds us of why we are in the medical field.”

"Being a student clinician at Hamilton has been more than just a learning experience in regards to diagnostics and therapeutics in pediatric care,” said Maria Parades, 4^th year medical student and student clinician, “I consider it a privilege to be an avenue through which amazing Naturopathic care is shared with those less fortunate in the community. I couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling clinical experience."

The children at Hamilton Elementary are the forgotten children of the Valley. They are among the poorest in the state and do not have access to many basics such as medical care. By offering them this renovated/updated clinic, we are demonstrating that they not only deserve (and are entitled to) medical care, but that they matter - that they are not forgotten. Perhaps one child will have an experience that changes their life. 

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About Hamilton Elementary Medical Clinic

In 2001, the Murphy School District integrated a district-wide, free health care system in a joint effort with Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM), to serve poverty-stricken families and increase community well-being and morale. The Hamilton Elementary School Clinic was funded by a grant received from the Victoria Lund Foundation. The Sage Foundation for Health, a non-profit charitable arm of SCNM, received this grant and was able to fund a children's clinic at Arthur M. Hamilton Elementary School in South Phoenix. The Hamilton Clinic is now host to the children of the Murphy School District and serves their immediate family once a week. At least 2,600 children are receiving medical care with the hopes that this number grows as available services expand at the clinic. 

About Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

Located in Tempe, Ariz., and founded in 1993, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences is a non-profit, accredited higher learning institution. It offers a four-year medical program that trains students to become primary care physicians. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the body’s innate ability to self-heal. It draws on a rich history of natural, nontoxic therapies in combination with current medical advances. The scope of practice includes all aspects of family and primary care using integrative modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, manipulation, and pharmacology. For more information, visit www.scnm.edu.