Physicians CareConnection: Reasons Why Volunteering is Beneficial for You and Your Community
Like most people, at the end of a long workday, you want to go home, sit back, and relax. Volunteering might be the last thought on your mind, but for physicians, it can offer a mental break from the daily stressors of working in a hospital or private practice setting. You might be wondering, how can spending more time in a medical space be beneficial?
There are many reasons why spending some of your time in a free clinic can lead to a more fulfilling career as a physician. First, when you decide to dedicate a few hours to free clinics, like Physicians CareConnection, you can free yourself from the headache of dealing with insurance billing, prior authorizations, and so much more. PCC (Physicians CareConnection) takes care of those things so physician volunteers can spend their time face to face with vulnerable central Ohioans who need their expertise. Plus, Ohio’s Good Samaritan Law grants immunity for volunteers at free clinics
Speaking of clients, Physicians CareConnection has been a place of hope for people like Kiara Gholson, offering her more than just medical care - but a lifeline for navigating the complexities of poverty, homelessness, and healthcare disparities.
“It [PCC] gave me more time to spend with my kids, especially my newborn baby,” Gholson said. “My community health workers helped me a lot.” You can learn more about Kiara’s journey with PCC here.
Through PCC’s patient-centered approach, physician and medical student volunteers are given a chance to connect with their original passions of helping others, without all the extras. Clinic volunteers will have access to trained medical scribes and translators, which allows physicians to really connect with their clients and ensure they are receiving adequate healthcare. For many physicians, volunteering at a free clinic can reignite a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their work. The gratitude and relief expressed by patients can be deeply rewarding, providing a renewed sense of why one chose to become a physician in the first place.
If you are looking to explore a different side of your medical career, volunteering can be the perfect fix. At free clinics like PCC’s, physicians and medical students will often be presented with unique medical challenges and more diverse populations. This environment can help you expand your clinical skills and knowledge, encountering conditions and cases you might not see in your regular practice. This diversity can enhance diagnostic abilities, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
Free clinics play a crucial role in bridging the gap between significant advancements in healthcare and the disparities in access to medical care in marginalized communities. For physicians and medical students like you, volunteering at a free clinic is more than a noble endeavor – it is an opportunity to make a substantial impact on individual lives and the healthcare system as a whole.
If you are interested in experiencing the positive long-lasting impact of volunteering at the Physician CareConnection’s free clinic, please contact Isi Green at isi@pcchealth.org or call 614-255-4403.