About Us

Beyond Treating Symptoms

Helping our patients maintain long-term wellness.

Neighbors helping neighbors.

At Volunteers in Medicine Hilton Head Island (VIM), our mission goes beyond treating symptoms. We empower patients through education, monitor their progress, and help them maintain long-term wellness.

To achieve this, we offer comprehensive care across 26 medical specialties and five disease management clinics, including family practice, internal medicine, lab, X-ray, ultrasound, pharmacy, mental health, and dental services—all at no cost to the patient. In total, we provide $13 million in free healthcare each year.

Our Mission

To understand and to serve the health and wellness needs of our medically underserved neighbors.

Our Vision

May we have eyes to see those who are rendered invisible and excluded, open arms and hearts to reach out and include them, healing hands to touch their lives with love, and in the process, heal ourselves.

The Story Of Volunteers In Medicine

On June 1, 1993, at 1:45 p.m., a three-year-old girl stepped into VIM for her immunizations. She became our very first patient—marking the start of a powerful journey in compassionate, community-based healthcare.

For over 30 years, VIM has provided free, high-quality, and comprehensive care to those who live or work on Hilton Head Island and lack access to insurance. With 26 medical specialties, five disease management clinics, a dental clinic, and a wellness center, our care is made possible by more than 550 dedicated volunteers.

It all began with the vision of Dr. Jack McConnell, who, after retiring to Hilton Head, recognized a critical need for accessible healthcare. His pioneering spirit led to the creation of the nation’s first volunteer medical license, making it possible for retired physicians to serve in free clinics without liability or licensing barriers.

Today, we proudly carry forward his legacy. At VIM, every patient is welcomed with dignity, greeted with kindness, and supported by translators when needed. This philosophy is known as our Circle of Caring—a commitment to treating the whole person, not just the illness.

Since our founding, more than 4,400 volunteers have donated over 1.1 million hours of service. Every moment represents a profound act of generosity, compassion, and healing.

VIM HHI doesn’t just treat illness—we change lives, uplift families, and strengthen our community. Together, through care and compassion, we heal.

Click here to read Dr. Jack McConnell’s book Circle of Caring.

Creating a healthier community for all.

Through our medical, dental, mental health and wellness market, we care for 5,000 active patients and conduct over 21,000 clinic visits annually.

This is made possible by 550 dedicated volunteers who contribute around 47,000 hours each year. With an annual budget of $3.5 million—90 percent of which goes directly to patient care—we are neighbors helping neighbors, creating a healthier community for all.