InterVol’s Volunteer Medical Professionals (VMP) program began in the mid-1990’s, drawing in physicians, dentists, nurses, and allied medical personnel from a broad range of specialties. Our primary mission is to partner with local primary care clinics and hospitals to facilitate medical consultation and treatment in areas where access to care is limited. We work to build networks of care, so that we can continue to assist those most in need, both in person and via remote, technologically-supported link-ups.
"You see how great their needs are, and you realize how much you have to offer, it's an eye-opening and rewarding experience." - Peg Banister, RN, an RGH recovery room nurse who has participated in three VMP trips.
VMPs are a truly special group—they have chosen to share their talents and their time with those that can never repay them. Teams of local health care professionals are sent to areas with acute medical personnel shortages. In the past InterVol has worked in Haiti, Brazil, Somalia, Sarajevo, the Dominican Republic, and set up long-standing programs with the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Since 2001, InterVol has been serving in the country of Belize in Central America, working with their health care professionals and the Ministry of Health. These programs often pave the way for other volunteer groups to work in underserved areas via care coordination activities and telemedicine. VMP also provides learning opportunities for local students as project interns. For instance, RGH New Visions students have created Spanish language materials for VMP volunteers to use in Belize.
All volunteers in the VMP program participate on a completely volunteer basis, and we are fortunate to travel with a variety of specialists. Not only do volunteers pay their own way to participate in these medical missions, but they also often use their vacation time to travel. Nevertheless we often find we have more individuals interested in the program than space available.
