ARTICLES / General /
Volunteers in Medicine.... /
Other ArticlesBy Kristine Dwyer, Staff Writer
Not all clinic volunteers are retired medical personnel. Some
are still in the workforce fulltime, yet find it
rewarding to share their skills in a VIM clinic
after hours. Volunteers find many benefits of
serving in a relaxed and respectful environment
where they can spend time on their own terms. The
clinics are patient-focused; thus there is an
absence of the fast-paced schedule seen in primary
care clinics that have to rely on paid services and
daily quotas. Volunteers are able to schedule their
own time; however, a minimum of one half day per
week is recommended and current medical licensure
and continuing education credits are required of all
professional volunteers. Some patients themselves
become clinic volunteers in non-patient care, and
give back in response to the support and care they
have received. The result is a win-win situation as
these professional and non-professional caregivers
continue to extend their hands toward the needs of
others in the community. This model allows for the
circle of care to be completed.
The mission of the VIM national office is to guide
and promote the development of a national network of
free clinics using retired medical and lay
volunteers who share the vision to provide care to
America’s uninsured within a culture of caring
atmosphere. The “Culture of Caring” motto is the
heart and soul of a VIM clinic and is based on an
ethical standard in medicine. It emphasizes the
worth and dignity of each patient, recognizing that
it often takes great courage to seek help due to
unforeseen circumstances such as job and benefit
losses.
The future and success of VIM clinics lies in the
hands of visionary leaders and caring individuals in
communities that see the need to offer health care
in a whole new light. The commitment to make these
free clinics a reality will remove barriers and
close the gap between patients and their medical
needs. Volunteers in Medicine are caregiving heroes
that make an incredible difference in the lives of
others. While the need for quality health care in
our nation will no doubt continue to be in high
demand, there is now hope to provide a local
solution to a national problem.
For more information on this program, a list of
member clinics or to start a clinic in your
community, you may go to
www.volunteersinmedicine.org or call
802 651-0112.
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