Expanding Care for Musculoskeletal Complaints at the Emory Farmworker Project
PA students will be providing expanded care at the Emory Farmworker Project because of efforts led by Associate Program Director Jodie L. Guest, PhD, MPH, Program Director Alexander Kendall, MS, PA-C, and Sr. Program Coordinator Emi Grill, MPH.
South Georgia’s farmworkers face social, economic, logistical, and language barriers that limit their access to care. Musculoskeletal conditions, including acute sprains, repetitive stress injuries, joint inflammation, and chronic pain exacerbated by demanding physical labor, are common injuries.
Funding will equip PA students at these mobile clinics to offer reusable treatment supplies, including wrist, knee, elbow, and ankle braces and reusable hot/cold therapy packs as well as topical NSAIDs.
“The intervention is simple but powerful,” said Guest. “Rather than relying solely on oral medications that offer limited relief and greater systemic risk, we can equip patients with the physical tools to manage their pain safely and effectively.”
The project will reinforce partnerships with Emory’s physical therapy, nursing, and medicine programs as well as with local clinics and interpreters.
Further, PA students will have expanded opportunities to diagnose musculoskeletal conditions; treat with evidence-based, non-pharmacologic interventions; and foster equitable care for underserved populations.
Guest added, “By investing in reusable, effective treatments for musculoskeletal pain, we can provide meaningful relief to our patients while empowering PA students to deliver care that is clinically sound and socially conscious.”
Outcomes will be tracked through supply utilization, diagnosis data, and student reflections.
The Health Foundation is pleased to support this scalable initiative that provides culturally responsive care and expands interprofessional, service-learning opportunities.