Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) began in Hilton Head, South Carolina. In 1992, one out of three people who lived on Hilton Head Island had no access to health care. At the same time, a number of retired medical personnel (physicians, nurses, dentists) began expressing an interest in finding a way to continue practicing their profession on a voluntary, part-time basis to help those without access to care.

 So in 1994, these two groups were brought together to create the first Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, a 501(c)(3) free clinic utilizing retired health care professionals.

The response from the medical community was extraordinary: today over 200 medical professionals volunteer at the Clinic. They tell us this is what they always wanted to do: to be able to practice their profession in a "hassle-free" environment.

Now every person who lives or works on Hilton Head Island has easy access to health care. And the best part is that it was accomplished using an untapped resource, the retired medical professional.

The VIM model emphasizes the use of retired medical professionals to provide quality health care services in free clinics which focus on serving the needs of the working uninsured. Many of these community integrated, owned and supported clinics also tap practicing physicians to volunteer.

On February 1st, 2008, St. Vincent de Paul Community Health Clinic and Pharmacy opened its doors in Port Charlotte, Florida. It followed the mold of the national VIM Clinic movement.  In December of 2009 their name was changed to the Virginia B. Anders Volunteer Health Clinic.  The change reflected a substantial monetary contribution which provided an endowment for the clinic to operate in the future.  It was there founding doctors who began early conversations with Lee County doctors, administrators, and concerned citizens that led to an exciting evening where the idea of the Lee County VIM Clinic was born. 

On December 9, 2009 a group practicing physicians, medical center and hospital professionals, and concerned citizens, gathered at the home of a prominent Lee County orthopedic surgeon. They listened intently to a presentation from the founding doctor of a VIM clinic in Port Charlotte FL.  It didn't take long for the gathering to become committed to the idea of starting a clinic in Lee County. 

Subsequent meetings have resulted in the forming of the initial Board of Directors, the filing of a not-for-profit Florida Corporation, and the submission to the Federal government for a 501 (c) 3 Federal tax exempt status.  The planning has more than just started, as a search for an executive director has begun, financial funding and underwriting of operations are beginning to take shape and clinic locations are being reviewed.

The Board has expanded by adding a number of resource individuals offering a plethora of skills and expertise to the organization.  Meeting monthly, the board continues to move toward the final goal of the opening day at the new Lee County VIM Clinic.

The "Culture of Caring" is the heart and soul of a VIM clinic. It is based on an ethical standard in medicine that was once practiced and should be again. How people are treated during a visit to the clinic is as important as the medical care they receive. Those who come to VIM clinics are good people in need of help. Surviving on limited resources, they often exhibit great courage simply trying to get through each day.

 Our "Culture of Caring" recognizes the strengths of those in need and respects their dignity. We seek to heal not only physical illnesses, but also the injury caused by bias, prejudice and indifference. Policies and procedures for implementing and maintaining the "Culture of Caring" have been established and are a required component of VIM clinics.