Dr. Laura Helman: A Legacy of Care and Innovation at Mishawaka Osteopathic Clinic
In the heart of Mishawaka, Indiana, Dr. Laura Helman carries on a family legacy that has spanned generations. As the owner of Mishawaka Osteopathic Clinic, she combines her dedication to small-town, family-focused medical care with the forward-thinking innovation of clinical research. It’s the best of both worlds for her patients. They receive personalized, attentive care with access to innovative medical advancements.
Rooted in Family and Community
Dr. Helman’s story begins with her father, who founded the clinic in 1969. Growing up, she spent countless hours by his side, accompanying him to the hospital and observing his interactions with patients. “I always admired how my Dad built relationships with the families he cared for,” she says. “I knew from a young age that this was the kind of doctor I wanted to be.”
After earning her medical degree in 2002 and completing her residency, Dr. Helman returned to Mishawaka to join her father’s practice. In 2009, she took the reins, bringing her vision to the clinic while maintaining the same warmth and familiarity that had become its hallmark. “We’ve treated entire families for multiple generations,” she shares. “It’s not uncommon for me to see a grandparent, parent, and child all in the same day.”
A Hallmark of Personal Care
What sets Mishawaka Osteopathic Clinic apart is its commitment to treating patients as individuals, not numbers. Unlike larger, corporate owned practices, Dr. Helman’s clinic is independently operated, allowing her the freedom to prioritize quality over quantity. “We’re not bound by corporate mandates,” she explains. “There’s no timer running in the exam room. I can spend the time I need to understand my patients’ concerns.”
This approach fosters a sense of trust and continuity that’s increasingly rare in modern healthcare. With familiar faces at the front desk and a team of long-tenured staff, the clinic feels more like a second home than a sterile medical facility. “Patients appreciate the consistency,” Dr. Helman says. “We know our patients by name and remember their milestones.”
Bringing Research to the Community
In addition to her primary care work, Dr. Helman has carved out a unique niche by integrating clinical research into her practice. Since 2016, her office has been a site for vaccine and medication trials, offering patients in Mishawaka access to the latest medical advancements. “Most people don’t realize that important research happens right here in our small town,” she says.
Dr. Helman’s research endeavors began in 2006 when she was invited to serve as a sub-investigator for a local research group. After gaining experience and witnessing the impact of clinical trials firsthand, she decided to establish a research division within the clinic. “It was a natural fit,” she explains. “Our patients benefit from the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge studies, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the care we provide.”
Her office recently completed a pivotal RSV vaccine trial in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, contributing to the approval of a vaccine that is now widely administered. “It’s incredible to see the direct impact of our work,” Dr. Helman says. “Knowing that we played a part in bringing a life-saving vaccine to market is deeply rewarding.”
Balancing Tradition and Progress
Despite her commitment to innovation, Dr. Helman remains firmly rooted in the traditional values of her practice. She still uses pen and paper to take notes during patient visits, a deliberate choice that allows her to maintain eye contact and stay fully engaged. “I’ve embraced electronic records where necessary, but I refuse to let technology interfere with the human connection,” she says.
This balance of old and new is reflected in her long-term goals for the clinic. “My priority is to maintain the independence of our practice,” she explains. “We’ve seen so many small clinics swallowed up by hospital systems. I want to ensure that the clinic remains a place where patients feel genuinely cared for.”
Looking Ahead
As Mishawaka Osteopathic Clinic continues to grow, Dr. Helman envisions expanding its research capabilities while staying true to its community-focused roots. “We’ve built a reputation for high-quality care and reliable research,” she says. “Pharmaceutical companies seek us out because they know we provide excellent data and retain our trial participants.”
For Dr. Helman, the greatest reward is the relationships she’s built over the years. “It’s a privilege to care for families across generations,” she reflects. “This is my calling.”
Whether through personalized care or groundbreaking research, Dr. Laura Helman is making a lasting impact on her community. At Mishawaka Osteopathic Clinic, tradition and innovation come together to create a practice that’s as unique as the patients it serves.
If you’re looking for a personalized healthcare experience, contact Mishawaka Osteopathic Clinic and MOC Research at 574-255-4733.
Written by Eleni Owens
Photoography by Gary Riggs