Ball State University is taking a significant step toward improving public health in East Central Indiana with the launch of a new family medicine primary care practice. Located within the Healthy Lifestyle Center on West Riverside Avenue in Muncie, the clinic aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access for residents of all ages. Three newly hired family nurse practitioners are already preparing to take on patients ahead of a soft launch scheduled for early September.
The practice will offer a wide array of essential services ranging from routine physicals and annual wellness visits to chronic disease management and women’s health services. Beyond treating immediate ailments, the clinic emphasizes a philosophy of relationship-based care focused on prevention and early intervention. By integrating these services into the Healthy Lifestyle Center, patients can benefit from a holistic approach that combines medical treatment with resources for behavioral and physical well-being.
Justin Tobyas, director of interprofessional education and practice, noted that the goal is to create an experience centered on listening and education so that patients develop lasting bonds with their providers. This expansion not only serves the local community but also enhances the educational landscape for Ball State students pursuing health careers by providing them with immersive, hands-on learning opportunities in a collaborative academic environment.
This move strengthens the existing framework of the Interprofessional Community Clinics, which have provided thousands of appointments annually since 2019 across various specialties like audiology and speech pathology. The university has further broadened its reach by adding autism spectrum disorder and psychoeducational diagnostic services to its portfolio this month. While full-time students will still utilize the Amelia T. Wood Health Center, this new venture opens doors for the wider community using Medicare, many Medicaid plans, and various commercial insurances.
