Volunteers
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? Are you interested in the healthcare field or currently a healthcare professional? Perhaps you would like to contribute to VHC's mission but do not meet the requirements to serve as a student member or healthcare provider in our mobile health clinic. If so, we invite you to consider joining us as a volunteer!
VHC volunteers have the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with our organization and community partners throughout the year. Volunteers are essential to our efforts in organizing impactful events such as fundraisers, mock clinics, and educational workshops. Additionally, volunteers serve as ambassadors, helping us connect with sponsors, donors, and healthcare professionals to garner their support. Volunteering with VHC offers a chance to gain a deeper understanding of our mission, build connections with like-minded individuals, and give back to the community. The experience gained through volunteering can also strengthen your future application if you choose to apply as a student member or healthcare professional for our clinic in Vietnam.
Explore some of our past events below and sign up to be part of the VHC volunteer community!
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What are the roles and responsibilities expected of healthcare professionals?1. Physicians (MD, DO, ARNP, PA-C) - Primary care providers will assess acute care needs, provide education and treat with proper therapy based on an in-house drug formulary list. 2. Nurse (RN) - Nurses will be the first point-of-contact for the patient to gather medical history and triage based on primary chief complaints. 3. Pharmacist (PharmD) - Pharmacists help create the drug formulary, maintain adequate inventory, and dispense medications based on the doctors’ therapy goals while counseling patients on how to properly take their medications. 4. Dentist (DDS, DMD) - Dentists will be providing dental education and emergent dental treatments for patients experiencing tooth pain. 5. Optometrist (OD) - Provide primary level of eyecare including refraction and assessment of ocular health. Donated prescription and reader glasses will be available for immediate dispensing to optimize a patient's vision. Sunglasses are given to every patient during the mission to educate the population about UV protection. 6. Physical Therapist (DPT) - Therapists will demonstrate stretches, exercises and techniques to improve the body’s strengths and flexibility to decrease the risk of work-related injuries.
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How much does it cost to participate as an HP and what does the cost include?The estimated cost for participation is about $2,500 for the full two weeks or $1,250 for one week, covering flights, lodging, food, transportation, and excursions.
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Do I need to be located in Seattle, WA or licensed in the state of Washington to be an HP?No, we have had HPs from all over the US volunteer with VHC. We have a lot of experience with coordinating meetings and keeping our HP volunteers up-to-date via online tools such as email, zoom or google meet. However, we do hold HP-specific events in Seattle such as formulary management discussion, round-table clinical best practice discussion as well as mock clinics. We strong encourage our HPs to attend these events if they can.
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When would I need to commit to be a healthcare professional by to confirm my participation?As there are a limited number of available positions per component so the sooner you are able to commit, the better for us to solidify our healthcare team to provide you with all the logistical details and training involved with the other providers. We strongly suggest that you submit the questionnaire as soon as you know that you are able to commit to our clinic dates.
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Can I bring a spouse or child along with me if I am supporting the clinic as an HP?Unfortunately the space on our team is limited. However, we are happy to evaluate your request on a case by case basis. Please let us know during the registration process and we can provide you with more details.
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How often do healthcare professionals meet, and are meeting attendance required?Our healthcare professionals typically meet at least twice prior to clinics in Vietnam to discuss formulary management and mock clinic training. These meetings are strongly encouraged in order for you to have the latest updates for the trip and to ensure you have the support you need as a healthcare professional.
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Will I need to bring any of my equipment or will everything be provided?VHC welcome all healthcare providers to consider bringing their own equipment or supplies they may find suitable for such practice setting. Our team will consult with you to evaluate the need and appropriateness of the equipment you plan to bring. VHC does provide some clinical equipment to support each specialty. Please note VHC may help assist the transport of equipment but is not responsible for any loss or damage of the equipment.
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Do I have to book my own flights for the trip?Each HP is responsible for booking their own flight. VHC is happy to connect you with our travel agent to support you with your booking.