Why should I volunteer?
What would I be doing?
How do I start?
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Good reasons to volunteer
You'll help fill a need. Thousands of people right here in Iowa City and Johnson County cannot afford health care. We believe that health care is a basic human right. With volunteers like you, we're turning that philosophy into a reality, making quality care available to everyone.
You'll gain new experience. As a volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic, you'll get to work one-on-one with patients. You'll also work with other volunteers who share your spirit of caring and cooperation.
You'll feel better yourself. That good feeling you get when you do volunteer work may not just be your imagination. Recent studies suggest that volunteering can actually improve your emotional and physical well-being! Do yourself a favor--volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic!
Patient guides
Receptionists Interpreters
Examiners
Pharmacists
Doctors
Specialty Doctors/Examiners
Dentists
Laboratory Volunteers
Daytime volunteers
One-time volunteers
Patient Guides: As a patient guide, you will visit briefly with FMC patients as to why they are at the clinic, take vital signs, and assist the medical examiners and FMC staff as needed. Some medical background is required including the ability to take vitals (blood pressure, pulse, temperature etc.) We hold an orientation for this position only a few times per year. To be considered for these trainings, please submit a volunteer application form. Training times and dates will be based on the need for volunteers. Currently, there are openings for summer volunteers (May through August) for our Tuesday daytime clinics (Tuesday: 8:45 - 11:45 a.m.; 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.), and Thursday daytime clinics (Thursday: 8:45 - 11:45 a.m). In the fall, we train guides who can commit to one year of volunteering for our Monday and Thursday evening clinics (6:00 - 9:00 p.m.).
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Receptionists: If you like working with the public, this job is for you. You'll greet patients and generate initial paperwork as needed. Scheduling is flexible, but most receptionists work twice a month either in our evening clinics (Monday and Thursday, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.), or daytime clinics (Tuesday and Thursday 8:45 - 11:45 a.m.; or Tuesday, 12:45 - 3:00 p.m.).
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Interpreters: Our Spanish-language interpreters assist in all aspects of FMC medical services from patient intake, to vital signs, to medical examinations, to lab work, to medication dispensing. Fluency is a must; medical terminology is highly desirable.
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Examiners: MSTP students, 3rd and 4th year medical students, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are needed to work as examiners under the supervision of a licensed physician during our Monday and Thursday evening clinics (6:30 - 9:30 p.m.). Scheduling is flexible, but we hope that our examiners can volunteer at least twice a month.
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Pharmacists: We need registered pharmacists to work in our dispensary. You'll fill prescriptions and counsel patients about their medications. Pharmacy technicians and students are also needed to assist our volunteer pharmacists. 
Pharmacists volunteer once a month or once every two months during our Monday and Thursday evening clinics (6:30 - 9:30 p.m.).
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Doctors: Licensed Iowa physicians--especially family practice and internal medicine specialists--are needed to examine patients and serve as supervisors for medical examiners. You'll discuss each patient with the examiner, re-examine some patients, prescribe medications, and provide advice about medical follow-up. Doctors volunteer from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. during a Monday or Thursday evening clinic either once a month, or once every two months.
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Specialty Doctors/Examiners:The FMC offers monthly specialty clinics including, but not limited to, physical therapy, ophthalmology, dermatology, chiropractics and nutrition/dietary counseling. Volunteers are always needed to fill these needs.
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Dentists: The dentist provides oral hygiene and a variety of dental procedures.
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Laboratory Volunteers: Lab technicians and phlebotomists perform blood draws, glucose sticks, UA's, and pregnancy testing. They also assist in lab upkeep. We will orient you to our lab but do not provide phlebotomy training. Lab volunteers must have prior phlebotomy experience. Most lab volunteers work once or twice a month during either our evening clinics (Monday and Thursday, 6:30-9:30 p.m.), or daytime clinics (Tuesday or Thursday 8:45 - 11:45 a.m.; or Tuesday, 12:45 - 3:00 p.m.).
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Daytime volunteers: Daytime help is needed to help answer the phones, do filing, help with clinic set-up, and handle walk-in clients.
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One-time volunteers: If you'd like to volunteer but can't make a regular commitment of time, we can still use your help! Be a one-time volunteer, or consider making a donation to the FMC.
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