Description
As part of the Public Health Interprofessional Training (PHIT) program, our team developed a complex patient case to explore the intersection of social determinants of health (SDOH) and public health systems. We present the case of Karin Page, a 33-year-old teacher from Presque Isle, Maine, who developed functional neurological disorder (FND) following a minor ankle sprain. Karin’s evolving symptoms, including functional seizures, tremors, and chronic pain, have profoundly impacted her physical health, mental well-being, and professional responsibilities. Despite receiving an FND diagnosis and initial treatment, limited access to care, financial barriers, and competing caregiving demands have disrupted continuity of care. Our team utilized a public health framework to analyze Karin’s experience, emphasizing the roles of economic instability, rurality, and healthcare access in shaping outcomes. We proposed collaborative interventions including improved access to telehealth services, school-based support systems, and local community partnerships to promote long-term functional recovery. This case underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex conditions like FND and highlights the need to integrate clinical care with upstream SDOH-informed strategies.
Publication Date
4-2025
Disciplines
Interprofessional Education | Neurology | Physical Therapy | Primary Care
Access/Rights
© 2025 The Authors
Preferred Citation
Lawell, Miranda P. and Matos, Mikayla, "Addressing Barriers to Care in Rural Maine" (2025). CAIEP Spring Showcase 2025. 10.
https://dune.une.edu/caiepspring2025/10
Notes
Miranda Lawell, Osteopathic Medicine
Mikayla Matos, Physical Therapy