When VIM was founded, one of the goals was to create a place for medical professionals to get back to the basics of medicine – to be able to practice the art of medicine without being tied to the business of medicine.
This philosophy has shaped our model of care. Most of our providers spend more time with patients than they would in a normal practice. The financial angst of running a medical business is removed because patients aren’t billed. As a volunteer, you have the ability to set your work schedule to avoid burn-out. And every day you’re here, you’ll hear the words “thank you” more than once.
At VIM, our focus is simply caring for people.
Yes! A good percentage of our providers are retired, seeking to give back without the commitment of a practice.
Some positions do, some don’t. In all cases, our clinical staff will assess each volunteer’s skill level before assigning them to a position.
All of these volunteers need a valid Oregon medical license. In addition, these providers will need to complete a credentialing process done in cooperation with the Central Oregon Independent Practice Association. If you are a retired physician, or new to the area, there are two types of licenses that are available for those who wish to provide medical services on a volunteer basis. Click here for more information on licensing.
Dentists and dental hygienists must have a current Oregon Board of Dentistry (OBD) license and sign an OBD liability waiver. This is whether you volunteer at VIM, or see VIM patients in your own practice. More information can be found here.
Nurse volunteers need an active Oregon State Board of Nursing license. One benefit of volunteering at VIM as a nurse is that your service hours can be credited to the 960 hours needed to renew your RN license. Those without a current license can still volunteer as a clinical support volunteer (see below).
We have limited volunteer opportunities for medical professionals who no longer hold a current license, those who aspire to a career in medicine, or for positions such as certified nurse assistants (CNA), phlebotomists, dietitians, nutritionists, and others.
Our patients agree to be seen and treated under the Oregon Liability Waiver (ORS 676.340), which limits the liability of Oregon-licensed physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dentists, dental hygienists, and certain other health professionals for injury, death, or other loss that may arise from services they provide without compensation. As a VIM provider, we will have you register with the state for the liability waiver. More info and the forms can be found through these links:
In addition to the Limited Liability Law, VIM does have a standard liability policy to cover practitioners for their work that is done on-site at the VIM clinic.
Many of our in-clinic volunteers have their own practice, but also enjoy the camaraderie of volunteering at VIM. Others would rather see patients in their offices through our referrals. We call these volunteers our “Community Medical Partners.” Whether you volunteer in the clinic or in your own facility, we are happy to have your services either way! For more information click here.
Generally, volunteers in the clinic work one morning, afternoon or evening each week for a four-hour shift. Some volunteers are here more often, some as little as once per month. We’ll do our best to work with your schedule. The most important thing is that you are able to volunteer with consistency, as that is what our patients depend on.
Fill out our volunteer application here. We will get in contact with you to talk further.
Contact VIM’s Volunteer Coordinator: volunteers@vim-cascades.org.
Para mejorar la salud y el bienestar de las personas que no tienen Seguro medico o que están críticamente desatendidas a través de la participación de profesionales, socios comunitarios y voluntarios dedicados.
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