Community Partner: Shepherd's Clinic
Peer Mentor: Darius Thompson
Site Supervisors: Glenda Skuletich and Karen Carter
What is Shepherd’s Clinic?
A unique non‐profit organization providing quality, comprehensive healthcare to Baltimore’s uninsured,
helping people who are unable to afford commercial health insurance, yet do not qualify for
government assistance.
Tasks:
● Serve as front desk volunteer: schedule appointments, remind
patients of appointments, check in and check out patients, collect
donations, screen new patients
● Facilitate the transmission of medical records to and from the
clinic
● Connect patients with medical staff, insurance navigators,
behavioral health counselors, and healthy lifestyle specialists
● Help train other front desk volunteers
When I first stepped into the Shepherd’s Clinic, I was overwhelmed by
that amount of love that came rushing my way from my supervisors, the
clinic staff, and the rest of my coworkers. Love is what the Shepherd’s
Clinic is all about. The Shepherd’s Clinic provides free healthcare for the
uninsured, all of whom fall under 200% of poverty. Several doctors at
Shepherd’s have shared with me that while they could be spending their
hours making a pretty penny at other medical facilities, they instead
choose to volunteer at the clinic where they can take as much time as
they need and apply their gifts and talents to pour love into a community
that needs healing. Although I don’t have my medical degree yet, this
summer I got to contribute to this healing process in my own capacity by
serving as a front desk volunteer at the clinic. The same amount of love
with which I was greeted when I first arrived at Shepherd’s, I share with
each and every person who walks through Shepherd’s front doors. I
serve as a bridge between the healthcare providers and the patients by
translating the patients’ needs to the medical staff and by connecting
patients with the appropriate resources. Whether I’m handling medical
records, screening new patients, scheduling appointments, calming
down distressed patients over the phone, or striking up conversations
with patients who care to chat, I do it with love and I do it with a smile. It
has been a pleasure working with the Shepherd’s Clinic this summer. I
hope to continue into the school year and if I am fortunate enough to
become a physician, I aim to volunteer at a clinic similar to Shepherd’s in
the distant future (or start one of my own). ‐ Darius
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