SLU PT Student Gains New Perspective During Service Oriented Clinical Internship

Service Trip Spotlight - Hillside Health Care International

by Lexi Modglin (DPT Class of 2018)


The Cheryl L Cavallo Memorial Scholarship allowed me the life-altering opportunity to travel to Belize for a clinical internship at Hillside Health Care International. Hillside is a health care clinic that provides medical, pharmaceutical, and rehabilitative care to underserved individuals throughout Belize's Toledo District.

One of the many impactful components of this experience was the exposure to such a diverse population clinically. Hillside provides the only rehabilitation in the district, so we treat patients post-stroke in their homes, month old babies for clubbed feet, and walk-in patients with postural dysfunction all during the same day. 

Through my time in Belize as a student physical therapist I gained new skills and new perspective. I am grateful to Cheryl L Cavallo's legacy of clinical care and service, and all those who help contribute to her scholarship fund.

There are two ways to help support the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship Fund. You may participate in the 16th Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K (register here) or donate directly to the fund. The Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K is in memory of Cheryl Cavallo, a long time faculty member in the Program in Physical Therapy who lost her courageous battle to cancer in 2013.  She served as the faculty mentor for the Program in Physical Therapy Student Council for 22 years and tirelessly coordinated this event for 11 years.  She lived the Jesuit mission everyday by giving back to those less fortunate.  All proceeds from the memorial fundraiser will benefit the Cheryl Cavallo Memorial Scholarship to help defray travel costs for students wishing to pursue health care related domestic or international mission trips. For more information, or if you are interested in sponsoring the event, contact Michelle Cohen at mcohen17@slu.edu.

Cheryl L. Cavallo, PT, Ph.D.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students who have utilized the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship to finance their service trips. Service is an integral part of the Saint Louis University experience. SLU  is currently #4 on Washington Monthly’s list of universities who participate most in community service. To learn more about service at SLU, visit the Center for Service and Community Engagement website at www.slu.edu/service.