Academic performance of physical therapy students participating in a student-led pro bono clinic: a quasi-experimental, cohort study across two orthopedic courses

Key Points

• Academic performance remained unchanged despite clinic participation, indicating limited immediate effects.
• Pro bono experiences may foster interpersonal and professional development that traditional assessments miss.
• A quasi-experimental cohort approach was utilized to evaluate two orthopedic courses in physical therapy students.
• This research highlights the need for mixed-method studies to understand long-term impacts of clinical exposure.