For many children in the Yakima Valley, the start of a sports season comes with an unexpected barrier: finding a timely appointment for a required physical exam. Without it, they can’t join their teams. For families in underserved communities, the challenge can mean a child sitting out entirely.
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) is working to change that.
What began several years ago as a vision of Dr. Katheryn Hudon (PNWU-COM Class of 2014, Chief of Pediatrics) has grown into a thriving community clinic where PNWU faculty and students provide free, same-day sports physicals for local student-athletes.
“It’s really nice for us to be able to bridge that gap and see these kids get cleared, and hopefully have some fun with them.”
“So much of the time it’s hard for kids to get into their doctor to get their sports physicals,” Dr. Hudon explained. “Their season starts next week, but if they can’t get in for their sports physical, they’re not allowed to participate. It’s really nice for us to be able to bridge that gap and see these kids get cleared, and hopefully have some fun with them.”
From its earliest days, the clinic carried dual impact: ensuring access to sports for children and giving medical students an authentic opportunity to practice care in the community.
“It’s really nice to get to actually interact with people and remember—oh yeah, this is what I want to do,” said Student Doctor Hayley Glantz, PNWU-COM Class of 2026.
“I know how difficult it can be in Yakima to get the right healthcare at the right time.”
Her classmate, Student Doctor Katie Mueller, agreed. “Coming here, meeting patients, talking to them, and actually learning in reality—it’s great,” she said. “I know how difficult it can be in Yakima to get the right healthcare at the right time, especially something like a sports physical that many providers might not have time for. I think it’s really cool that we can see them in the same day, within an hour, and for free. They can just go play the sport they’ve been wanting to play.”
This year, the program expanded further, with Dr. Sean Hancock, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at PNWU-COM, helping to guide operations alongside a team of faculty volunteers.
“The impetus for this activity is simple: we saw a need to help lower-income and medically at-risk families get their children cleared for athletics,” Dr. Hancock said. “Sports can make kids more active, which helps with childhood obesity, diabetes, depression, and so many other challenges. Beyond health, they learn leadership, teamwork, and the joy that comes with being part of something bigger than themselves.”
During each clinic session, student doctors work in teams under faculty supervision, performing physical exams, practicing verbal case presentations, and engaging directly with families.
“For our students, it’s a chance to use their knowledge and medical equipment on actual patients.”
“This opens the student-athletes’ eyes to the medical profession and some of the ‘cool stuff’ we get to do,” Dr. Hancock explained. “For our students, it’s a chance to use their knowledge and medical equipment on actual patients, not just their classmates. It builds confidence, communication skills, and empathy.”
Student Doctor Rica Y. Perona (PNWU-COM Class of 2028), President of the Pediatrics Club, has seen firsthand the impact on both sides.
“Parents like the clinic because they can just walk in on a weekend and get the sports physical done,” she said. “They often tell us how thorough we are—we take each step slowly, double-check each other, sometimes even three people listening to their child’s heart. It gives families confidence, and for us as students, it’s an incredible learning experience.”
Student Dr. Perona added that the program’s growth is also a testament to PNWU’s mission.
“This is the first year we’re doing two shifts per Saturday because so many students wanted to volunteer. The sign-up sheet fills up in minutes. That speaks to how much we value connecting with kids in our community and learning from the amazing preceptors who volunteer their time.”
For Dr. Hancock, the benefits are clear.
“Every time I participate, I walk away motivated.”
“Every time I participate, I walk away motivated,” he said. “I’ve seen students arrive hesitant and leave with their heads held high, confident and excited. That transformation is priceless—for them, for the kids they serve, and for the future of healthcare in our region.”
From Dr. Hudon’s founding vision to today’s expanded program, PNWU’s Sports Physicals Clinic continues to break down barriers, ensuring that children can play the sports they love while preparing a new generation of physicians to lead with compassion, skill, and service.