University of Vermont Health - Porter Medical Center is bringing three of its specialty care clinics into a shared space, creating a new musculoskeletal clinic designed to improve patient access, offer advanced imaging technology and strengthen team collaboration. 

The nearly year-long renovation project will unite Porter’s podiatry, orthopedics and rehabilitation clinics at 110 Pond Lane in Middlebury. Construction is expected to begin in October and finish late next summer. 

Devon Anderson, MD, PhD, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert who leads Porter’s orthopedic surgery practice, says the project’s impact will be felt by both patients and members of the clinics’ care teams. 

“This project really compliments Porter’s work with Middlebury College, our support of local athletes and our ability to respond to growing demand for high-quality musculoskeletal care,” says Dr. Anderson. “Improved collaboration and access to leading-edge imaging will benefit both patients and our care team.” 

The new clinic will span the space of about two basketball courts and include a modern rehabilitation gym, occupational therapy space, private exam rooms and two state-of-the-art x-ray rooms. The rehab gym alone will grow by more than 500 square feet compared to the current space. 

“These teams already work together, and being in a shared space will allow us to serve patients in a more multidisciplinary way,” says Brandi Helm, associate vice president of operations at Porter Medical Center. “This investment will help us deliver state-of-the-art, efficient care close to home.” 

Hospital leaders say the move is a response to increasing demand as the area’s population grows and ages. Both the rehabilitation and orthopedics practices are operating at capacity, with demand expected to rise significantly over the next several years. 

“We know Vermont is aging,” Helm says. “This new space allows us to plan for the future and continue improving access to specialty care.” 

Clinic hours are expected to remain unchanged: 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.