Volunteers in Medicine Institute

The Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Institute, or national office as we refer to ourseleves, was created in response to requests for assistance in replicating the VIM clinic model in communities across the country.

The mission of the national office is to promote and guide the development of a national network of free clinics emphasizing the use of retired medical and lay volunteers to care for the "working uninsured" within a culture of caring so that everyone in a community has access to health care.

To accomplish our mission, we provide:

• Consultation and assistance in how to plan, develop, operate and sustain a model VIM clinic
  
  
• Nationally recognized speakers to help launch and support your effort
  
  
• On-site consultation in your community
  
  
• Resource materials including but not limited to:
  
  
  • Start-Up Guide
    provides step-by-step instruction of the development process
    
    
  • Tip Sheets
    provides information on a variety of topics related to clinic development
    
    
  • Clinic Support Manual
    contains policies, procedures, surveys, job descriptions, important legal documents and other relevant materials
    
    
  • Culture of Caring Video
    describes the unique culture of VIM clinics
    
    
  • Circle of Caring: The Story of the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, written by Dr. Jack B. McConnell
    describes his experience in developing the first VIM clinic in Hilton Head, South Carolina
  
  
• Structured tours of the original VIM Clinic in Hilton Head, SC
  
  
• Phone consultation throughout the development process
  
  
• Membership into the VIM Alliance, a program of the national office composed of VIM clinics from around the country

The VIM national office is able to offer these services through the generous support from McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, the makers of TYLENOL® and through private donations.