A working model for allied health clinical practice

Allied health educators are expected to have exemplary clinical skills. Opportunities to practice are often limited in the academic setting. One method for insuring the maintenance of clinical skills among allied health faculty is a professional practice clinic. The University of Texas School of Allied Health Sciences at Houston, in conjunction with a teaching affiliate, Hermann Hospital, has opened a free-standing nutrition clinic on a fee-for-service basis. Reasons for establishing a clinical practice included: 1) to provide opportunities for faculty to practice; 2) to provide a teaching laboratory; 3) to provide a community service; 4) to provide a mechanism for research with defined groups; and 5) to facilitate faculty development with fee-generated income. A partnership model between the university and hospital was proposed which included the organizational structure, description of services, fee schedule, and funding base. Evaluation areas will include: impact on educational program, effectiveness as health counselors, faculty and staff growth, and generated income as profit.