Physical Therapy STAR Clinic
Student-Led Therapy and Rehab Clinic
Since early 2016, the UNG Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offers free of charge physical therapy services to Lumpkin County and surrounding areas. Treatment provided through our STAR (Student-led Therapy and Rehab) Clinic delivers care to local residents who may not otherwise have the means to afford it.
Local non-profit health related organizations, such as the Community Helping Place in Lumpkin County, Georgia Mountains Health (706-864-2155) in Lumpkin County, and the Good Shepherd Clinic in Dawson County, screen patients and generate referrals. These partnerships allow DPT faculty and students the opportunity to focus on the needs of underserved or impoverished members of our community, while also giving students hands-on experience working with actual patients.
How Referrals Work
Health care providers, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants screen patients to determine their need for physical therapy. Patients must also meet the eligibility criteria for receiving (uninsured) health services, as set forth by the GA Department of Public Health. Once referred to our clinic, patients are seen by a team of three students along with a licensed physical therapist (PT faculty).
STAR Clinic Contact Information
Clinic Office Phone: 706-867-3076
Fax: 706-864-1937
159 Sunset Drive
Dahlonega, GA 30597
Health and Natural Sciences (HNS) Building, Room 102
Spring 2025 Hours of Operation
Treating Patients by Appointment:
Tuesdays: 1:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Clinic Staff
The STAR Clinic mimics a full-time physical therapy clinic and utilizes a student-based service and leadership model. Elected officers from each DPT cohort assist in managing operations, scheduling both the student interns and their patients, as well as facilitating relationships with referring clinics.
2025-2026 Student Officers
Lily O'Clery, Class of 2026
Abbie Thomson, Class of 2026
Faculty Advisors
Review faculty credentials and expertise on the faculty directory.
How the Clinic Serves Our Students
Faculty advisors, all of whom are licensed physical therapists, oversee student teams and encourage them to take the lead in performing health assessments, presenting possible diagnoses and treatment plans, etc. The clinic supports DPT student interns of all levels, so that each cohort can enhance the knowledge and skill they gain through instruction by engaging in practice-based learning.
This model provides high-quality care to STAR patients free of charge, while creating an environment for students to further develop their clinical and interpersonal skills in a controlled setting. These methods also allow DPT students from across different classes opportunities to collaborate, team build, form mentorships, and more.
Visiting The STAR Clinic
Our faculty and students look forward to treating your needs.
When visiting our clinic, there are 5 reserved clinic parking spaces directly out front of the Health and Natural Sciences building on the Dahlonega Campus.
Additional visitor parking areas may be accessed by viewing: UNG (DAH) Visitor Parking Maps (PDF).