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Volunteers in Medicine e-Newsletter |
| April 2010 Authentic Patriotism Legislation Providing Malpractice Coverage for Free Health Care Clinics Becomes Law Impact of Health Care Reform on VIM Clinics AMA 2010 Jack B. McConnell, MD Award for Excellence in Volunteerism VIM Clinics Partnering with Students VIM Web Conferences News from VIM Alliance Clinics Volunteers in Medicine 162 St. Paul Street Burlington, VT 05401 (802) 651-0112 info@vimi.org Visit our website  |
Authentic PatriotismThree years ago I went looking for a particular kind of American: someone who faces our society’s toughest challenges head-on, a person unwilling to wait for government to fix everything, someone eager to commit to a larger purpose, and an individual who can articulate how life improves when you work to benefit others. Legislation Providing Malpractice Coverage for Free Health Care Clinics Becomes LawIncluded in the historic health care reform bill recently signed into law by President Obama is legislation introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), which extends Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) malpractice insurance coverage for free clinics. Impact of Health Care Reform on VIM ClinicsThe recent passage of historic health care reform legislation has raised questions about the ongoing need for Volunteers in Medicine free clinics, as well as the impact of the proposed legislation on existing clinics. AMA 2010 Jack B. McConnell, MD Award for Excellence in VolunteerismThe Jack B. McConnell, MD Award for Excellence in Volunteerism recognizes the work of senior physicians who provide treatment to U.S. patients who lack access to health care. This year, in association with Pfizer Inc., the AMA Foundation has honored two physicians with this award: Zaven S. Ayanian, MD, FACP at the Parker Family Health Care Center in Red Bank, New Jersey, and Robert Kendall, MD at Our Health, Inc. VIM Clinics Partnering with StudentsA number of clinics in the Volunteers in Medicine Alliance partner with their local college or university to provide training opportunities for their students. Nursing, PA and 4th-year medical students are volunteering their time under the supervision of medical directors and gaining valuable experience in VIM clinics. Likewise, non-medical students are also making valuable contributions and gaining practical hands-on experience through their local VIM clinic. VIM Web ConferencesFor those of you who may have missed out on recent web conferences, they are now available on the “Resources for VIM Clinics” page of our website www.volunteersinmedicine.org. Username: vimalliance and Password: 05401 CommonWealth Purchasing GroupRick Bryant, Director of the CommonWealth Purchasing Group and Scott Halterman, Administrative Coordinator, provided an overview of this group purchasing organization and the savings available to VIM clinics. For additional details about GWPG, visit www.cwpurchasing.com or contact Scott Halterman directly at shalterman@cwpurchasing.com or via telephone at (617) 988-2276. To date, VIM clinics have saved more than $5,000 on computer equipment, office, dental, and medical supplies. Chronic Disease Self Management Program Sue Russell, Director of Clinic Operations at the Lakeland VIM Clinic in Lakeland, FL, and Stanford Chronic Disease Self Management Program Master Trainer, presented an overview of the Stanford Program and details about how she uses it in her clinic to educate patients with diabetes and other chronic illnesses. News from VIM Alliance ClinicsVIM Alliance members are encouraged to share stories about successful fundraising events, clinical programs, awards and other news items of interest. Please send your news stories to skelley@vimi.org so that we may consider them for publication in our newsletter or on our Facebook page. Thank you. Volunteers in Medicine - Hilton HeadVolunteers in Medicine in Hilton Head, SC, was honored by South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond as one of ten “Angel Organizations” which “exemplified chartable giving in South Carolina.” Catholic Charities Free Health Care CenterDr. Edward Kelly, volunteer medical director of the Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center in Pittsburg, PA, was named the recipient of the 2009 Senator John Heinz Award for volunteer service by the United Way of Allegheny County. Dr. Kelly’s leadership and passion has inspired a staff of more than 150 volunteer professionals to provide care during more than 11,000 patient visits. Park Family Health CenterThe Parker Family Health Center is 10 years old in 2010! To begin the celebration, they are holding their 1st Annual Golf Outing on Monday, May 17th. Fayette CARE ClinicSheryl Watford, Clinic Director at the Fayette CARE Clinic in Fayetteville, GA, will speak on behalf of Volunteers in Medicine at the “Help Change the World” Medical Volunteerism Conference being held at Emory University School of Medicine. New Braunfels Volunteers in MedicineVolunteer physicians of the New Braunfels VIM Clinic in New Braunfels, TX, received top honors in the 2010 Texas Medical Association Foundation's John P. McGovern Champion of Health Award. Since 2008, the clinic has delivered medical care, support and education to approximately 18,000 uninsured residents of Comal County. |