Medical Volunteering

Sometimes the wear and tear of doing clinic day in and day out, working in the EHR, checking boxes, getting pre-authorizations, dealing with MACRA, HIPAA, and Meaningful Use...it can be mind-numbing, soul-crushing and it is easy to lose perspective. Why did I sign up for this in the first place?

Whether you volunteer a couple of hours a week or a month in a free clinic or spend your vacation in a foreign country, using your medical skills without compensation can actually be more rewarding than a paycheck itself. Here are some opportunities we know of locally that you might want to connect with.

SPORADIC LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES

If you've never volunteered before, maybe a one-off commitment to try it out is your first step.

		CENTRAL DISTRICT HEALTH MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS Local MRC volunteers provide a variety of services to their communities during an emergency situation including handing out supplies, signing people into shelters, or giving needed information. Medically trained MRC volunteers can also administer immunizations, provide health education, and offer medical support. All MRC volunteers may also assist in ongoing public health efforts, such as helping out at health fairs, during non-emergencies. ​WEBSITE | 208-327-8572
		SPECIAL OLYMPICS IDAHO MEDFEST - BOISE  Offers free sports physical and other health screening services to people with intellectual disabilities. MedFest offers Special Olympics Idaho a fast and effective way to recruit new athletes and retain existing athletes by offering screening events. MedFest events are held 1-2 times per year in Idaho and dates are flexible. WEBSITE | 1-800-915-6510
		MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION BOISE SUMMER CAMP MEDICAL STAFF NEEDED – MCCALL Each summer, hundreds of volunteers serve as counselors and medical staff for one week to help make Summer Camp a safe, fun, and memorable experience. As a volunteer, you will be a camper’s “buddy” for the week as you Participate in adaptive camp experiences, games, dances, meal times, and more. You will also take on the role of 24-hour caregiver, friend, and confidence-builder. Medical Staff will supervise and maintain the health and wellbeing of campers and may include: MD, DO, PA, NP, RN, BSN, RT, PT or OT. Physician Champion: Robert H. Friedman WEBSITE | 208-327-0107
		CAMP RAINBOW GOLD Camp Rainbow Gold is a nonprofit organization serving Idaho children diagnosed with cancer and their families. What started in the mid-’80s as a week of camp for a handful of children diagnosed with cancer is now much, much more. Yes, Camp Rainbow Gold is still a summer oncology camp, but it’s also a sibling camp and a family camp. It’s a college scholarship program and a teen support group. Physician Champions: Nathan Meeker, MD | Brian Goltry, MD WEBSITE | 208-350-6435

2022 HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICALS 

ACMS was involved in this event for more than 35 years, but with the decentralization of the sports exam to be run by individual high schools, our role is purely to attract volunteers. Physicians, PAs, NPs, medical and PA students, are all welcome to be a part of helping local student-athletes fulfill this requirement for organized team sports participation. The nominal fee paid by students goes directly back into their athletic training funds and volunteers are covered by the state medical volunteer statute for community health screenings.

Tuesday, August 2, 2022 6-8 PM - Centennial High School - Sign up here or Contact AT Eric Taylor to sign up. School Team Physicians: Angie Pellant, MD | Scot Scheffel, MD

ONGOING LOCAL

<span">If you want to build something into your life on a regular basis and be part of a close-knit team, this is a great option.

​		GENESIS COMMUNITY HEALTH - GARDEN CITY and CALDWELL Provides acute and chronic medical, dental, mental health, and prescription services and referrals to specialists for people caught in the Medicaid GAP. Volunteer hours vary during the week at each location in the Treasure Valley. Physician Champions: Dr. Daniel Reed, Dr. Gabe Garber, Dr. Micheal Adcox ​WEBSITE | 208-384-5200
		MARIE BLANCHARD FRIENDSHIP CLINIC - BOISE BENCH Provides acute medical and limited chronic health, mental health, and prescription services to people caught in the Medicaid GAP. Volunteer hours on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Physician Champion: Dr. Kim Stutzman ​WEBSITE | 208-429-6678
		VINEYARD MEDICAL CLINIC - GARDEN CITY Provides free, walk-in, acute medical care to adults without medical insurance Wednesday and Saturday mornings. ​WEBSITE | 208-954-2059

SPORADIC OVERSEAS

If you know how to rough it and put aside efficiency, expectations, and ever high medical standards, you might be ready for an overseas medical service trip. Here are some locally connected organizations that our members are involved with.

		EXPANSION INTERNATIONAL - KENYA We believe everyone deserves access to loving and effective healthcare. We provide this to impoverished or rural communities in Kenya that do not have access to quality medical services. Physician Champion: Dr. Marietta Thompson
		GLOBAL EMERGENCY CARE COLLABORATIVE, UGANDA Our mission is to make lifesaving medical care available to all Ugandans Physician Champion: Dr. Heather Hammerstedt

ACMS disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy of the information listed above or at their websites. These organizations are listed as a courtesy to promote medical volunteerism. If you have an organization based in or serving the Treasure Valley or are an ACMS member serving in one that might be listed, please fill out this form.