Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital is the primary care facility for the Pima and Papago Indians who inhabit the Gila River Indian Reservation. Tribal members assumed control of the hospital on October 1,1995 by signing a 638 Contract with the Indian Health Service (IHS). This is rather unique, in that most of the Indian hospitals throughout the country are still run by the IHS, a branch of the Public Health Service (PHS).

The hospital serves mainly as an outpatient clinic although there is an emergency room department and 12 inpatient beds for acute illness. Patients with serious medical complications are taken to one of the Phoenix area hospitals. The physical therapy department treats mostly patients referred on an outpatient basis but does treat a small percentage of inpatients as well. The caseload is primarily orthopedic, but due to the fact that the tribe does not yet have a rehabilitation facility, the physical therapy department serves also as a “rehab” department for such conditions as spinal cord injuries,CVA's, and developmentally delayed children.

The challenges that come with treating a diverse caseload are further compounded by the prevalence and sequelae of type II diabetes among the Pimas. Half of the Pima population develop type II Diabetes Mellitus by age 35, constituting the highest incidence of this disease in the world. Scientists from the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have been studying and conducting research among the Pimas since 1963. Their efforts have helped gain a better understanding of the disease and has led to advances in medical, dietary, and educational treatment of type II diabetes.

The physical therapy department holds a bi-monthly prosthetic/orthotic clinic with a contract prosthetist/orthotist. Other opportunities include going on rounds with an orthopedic physician, podiatry, and radiology. EMS ride arounds on the weekend are also available for those that are interested.

The physical therapy department is well equipped with cardiovascular and weight machines, modalities, and NCV/EMG equipment. We try to expose our students to as many different diagnoses as possible while maintaining a teaching style that is comfortable for each individual student. The atmosphere is casual and the pace fluctuates (generally slow to moderate) allowing students the opportunity to ask questions or seek guidance. We prefer to take second and third year students who have a high degree of autonomy and will be quick to reach a level of independence with performing evaluations and treatment. Most students report that this affiliation increased their level of confidence. Moreover, students will gain exposure to a different culture and have the chance to interact with community members and participate in tribal events outside the hospital setting.