A Message From Our Medical Director, Frank Bowen, M.D., MMM

The Difference We Make
VIM would not be in existence if it were not for our devoted volunteers. From the greeters at the door to the screeners, interpreters, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, schedulers, and others, a patient often sees more than 10 caring individuals during a visit to the clinic. On average, 40 volunteers serve 100 patients per session. Each year over 100 physicians, 70 nurses, 15 dentists, 15 mental health counselors, 5 chiropractors, and 250 lay volunteers decide to dedicate their time and talent to VIM. This group, totaling 300, serves about 8,500 deserving individuals annually, and made possible over 22,000 patient visits last year. These volunteers spend a combined total average of 47,006 hours helping others in need.

Our dedicated team of caring and patient volunteers all share common qualities. These individuals who enjoy interacting with a variety of people have dedication to helping others who are in need, while serving with concern and compassion. Our volunteers have positive attitudes and a sense of humor. All our volunteers conduct themselves with dignity, courtesy, and consideration while working in a professional manner.

Medical Growth

This small group of professionals has grown from about twenty to over four hundred today. The patient visits have grown from about 3500 to over 27,000 annually. Originally, few specialties were represented and today nearly all medical specialties are represented. VIM currently has over 100 physicians, 70 nurses, 15 dentists, 25 counselors, 5 chiropractors and 250 lay volunteers.

Team Work

It takes a team of volunteers to provide quality patient care. From the greeting at the door to the discharge directions, a patient often sees more than ten caring individuals for each visit. A common statement from our patients is that they have always been treated with dignity. VIM is a place where a person who needs professional medical assistance can find it in a caring and respectful environment.

Professional Support

The staff of VIM is charged with the responsibility of creating the environment that allows the clinic to function. Headed by the Executive Medical Director, the full-time staff includes the Director and Assistant Directors of Patient Care Services, the Administrative Assistant, the Director of Volunteers, the Director of Medications and the Director of Development. Several part-time staff members are responsible for specific needed tasks to support these full-time individuals.

Community Support

Finally, VIM has developed close relationships with physicians, service organizations and hospitals in our community. VIM provides over $6,000,000 worth of healthcare and $2,000,000 worth of medications annually that would otherwise have to be supported by those organizations.

The volunteer effort at VIM supports an organization that makes a real difference in the lives of people who find themselves in need. The heartfelt thanks our volunteers receive is not only for the health care that has been freely given, but for the compassion and respect that these patients know and feel when they are guests in our home called Volunteers in Medicine.

What our volunteers say:

“Having been in a situation to utilize VIM, volunteering was the best way to pay back the clinic for their excellent treatment and care.” ~ Carole B. Thorn, (Diabetes/Hypertension Clinic Desk, 1.5 years)

“The other volunteers have such great talents and have life experiences. I always learn something from someone!” ~ Candice Spadafora (Greeter, Medical Records, Scheduler, Phones, 4.5 years)

“There are so many new and exciting things going on…The clinic atmosphere is so open and friendly that it is great fun to be here as often as I am.” ~ Alex. Horowitz, MD (Pediatrician, 1 year)