PHYSICIANS
Dr. Frank Bowen, Executive Medical Director
FOUR HOURS A WEEK OR FOUR HOURS A MONTH WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY’S HEALTH!
VIM PAYS FOR MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE
We welcome any inquiries from medical professionals, active or retired, who have an interest in volunteering at our clinic. Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about physician volunteering:
AM I REQUIRED TO HAVE AN ACTIVE MEDICAL LICENSE?
No. As long as you have been licensed to practice medicine in any state in the U.S. you are eligible to volunteer in the clinic. A copy of your medical license from your prior state of residence will be required prior to volunteering.
DO I HAVE TO BE LICENSED IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA?
No. Physician volunteers work under a special volunteer license in the state of South Carolina. Our credentialing office will take care of this process for you. You are responsible for annual renewal.
DO I NEED TO CARRY MALPRACTICE INSURANCE?
No. The clinic covers all physicians under its own malpractice insurance as well as federal programs for volunteer physicians.
WHAT IF I’M A “SNOWBIRD”?
“Snowbirds” are welcome at all times. Our busiest clinic are usually in the late fall and winter when most of Hilton Head’s part-time snowbirds arrive. Additionally, if you are a part time resident but are in town even for a week, please give us a call if you can help one morning or afternoon while you are here. We are delighted to have you at any time! Just give us a call and let us know that you are available.
WHAT IF MY SPECIALTY DOES NOT INVOLVE DIRECT PATIENT CARE SUCH AS PATHOLOGY?
We have a need for your knowledge in other areas of the clinic such as our laboratory, triage service, outcomes management and clinical quality management programs just to name a few.
HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED TO VOLUNTEER?
Some of our physicians and dentists volunteer every week for at least a half-day. Some physicians can only volunteer one or two days a month. We are happy to work with you in any way that is convenient to your schedule.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I WANT MORE INFORMATION OR WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
Physicians
Please Contact:
- Frank Bowen, MD, MMM, Executive Medical Director (843)681.6612 extension 226 or fbowen@vimclinic.org
or - Andi Argast, Physician Coordinator and Scheduler at (clinic) (843) 681.6612 extension 242 or at aargast@vimclinic.org
Dentists
Please Contact:
- Frank Bowen, MD, MMM (843) 681.6612 extension 226 or at vimmedical@hargray.com; or
- Lois Schuhrke, Dental Director at (843)681.6612 extension 249 or lschuhrke@vimclinic.org
Mental Health Professionals
Please Contact:
- Dr. Ann West at (843) 681.6612 extension 232.
OUR CURRENT MEDICAL SPECIALTIES
cardiology, chiropractic medicine, dental, dermatology, diabetes management, family practice, gynecology, immunizations, internal medicine, laboratory work, neurology, nutritional counseling, oral surgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, pain management, pediatrics, pharmacy, psychiatry, surgery, ultrasonography, urology, and X-ray are the specialties provided.
DENTAL SPECIALTIES
Cleanings, fillings, extractions, and root canals are provided. Due to limited laboratory resources and funding, orthodontia (braces), crowns, and bridges are not provided. Waiting times for appointments depend on the specialty care needed.
OPTHALMOLOGY SERVICES
Eye exams are done. Glasses are not provided however, both the Lions Club and several local providers supply a discount for our patients.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Counseling – Nearly 20 volunteers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers counsel patients in the McConnell Building at 20 Palmetto Parkway. Adults with depression, anxiety, and various life problems such as job loss are seen during medical clinic hours. In addition we have a Child Guidance clinic that treats behavior disorders in children that we coordinate with the local school system.
PROFESSIONAL NEEDS
Along with any of the medical specialties listed above, we need help in the following areas of care:
- General practice
- Family practice
- General dentists
- Endocrinologist
- Certified diabetes educators
- Bariatric medicine
- Pain management
- Chiropractic
- Radiology technicians
- Laboratory technicians
- Psychiatry/psychology
Forms needed for physicians with an active SC license:
Download and print Attestation of Health Form
Download and print Consent for Health Services Form
Download and print Contract for Employment Form
Download and print Health Information Agreement Form
Download and print Hep B Vaccine agreement Form
Download and print Physician w SC License Form
Download and print Volunteer Data Base Form
Forms needed for physicians with a current or retired license to practice in any state other than South :
Download and print Attestation of Health Form
Download and print Consent for Health Services Form
Download and print Contract for Employment Form
Download and print Health Information Agreement Form
Download and print Hep B Vaccine agreement Form
Download and print Physicians with No SC License data base Form
Download and print Volunteer Data Base Form
