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BEAR Healthcare Clinic 8015 Millard Hwy Pikeville, KY 41501 (606) 262-3043 bearclinic@upike.edu
Expand access to quality care for underserved communities by uniting healthcare professionals across disciplines to deliver holistic, collaborative care that addresses every dimension of patient well-being.
We envision a healthier Eastern Kentucky, one where every individual has access to high-quality, coordinated care regardless of background or circumstance. The BEAR Healthcare Clinic seeks to become a cornerstone of grassroots healthcare transformation in the region, cultivating a model of interdisciplinary collaboration that redefines how care is delivered. Through service, education, and innovation, we aspire to create a lasting impact that ensures no one in our community goes without the care they deserve.
Founded in 2024 by Elshaday Zelalem Sendek and Haven Jacob-Wheatley, then second-year medical students, alongside the guidance of Dr. Damian Cole, D.O., FACEP, and the support of the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, the BEAR Healthcare Clinic emerged from a collective mission to remove barriers to care and strengthen health equity across Eastern Kentucky.
This vision became possible thanks to the early efforts of Justine Casola, Nicole Werner, and Rimsha Afzal, who helped identify the Old Millard High School building that now serves as the clinic’s home, to Greg May, the building owner, who generously allows its use for clinic days, and the KYCOM AMA Chapter, which provided the financial and operational support. Rooted in the principles of osteopathic medicine, the BEAR Healthcare Clinic unites medicine, social work, behavioral health, pharmacy, and dental care to deliver comprehensive, compassionate, and interdisciplinary services.
What began as a mission to serve the underserved has evolved into a movement that reflects the University of Pikeville’s enduring spirit of service, collaboration, and innovation. Today, the BEAR Healthcare Clinic continues to empower students and professionals to serve, learn, and uplift the Appalachian community, building the foundation for a healthier, more connected Eastern Kentucky.
Dr. Damian Cole D.O., FACEP, AAOMedical Director
Hasibah Ahmed-OMS IIClinic Director
Carrigan Causby-OMS IIClinic Director
Advisory Board
AMA Chapter led by Kristen Murray, AMA President, helps oversee AMA volunteers and manages the front end of the clinic. The AMA Chapter also hosts the AMA Gala each year to help raise funds for the clinic. They identify community donations and organize a highly successful raffle, ensuring that all proceeds are reinvested into BEAR Healthcare Clinic.
We would not be where we are today if it weren’t for our community partners who have supported us and continue to support us. We are forever grateful for their partnership.
If you are interested in supporting the BEAR Healthcare Clinic please email: bearclinic@upike.edu
BEAR Healthcare Clinic8015 Millard HwyPikeville, KY 41501(606) 262-3043bearclinic@upike.eduHoursOpen on One Saturday of Every Month from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM