Volunteer
The UNR Med Student Outreach Clinic provides free medical care for the uninsured and underinsured patients of northern Nevada. The clinic is run by UNR Med students under the guidance of licensed physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.
We are very grateful to all our volunteers who help make the Student Outreach Clinic possible to provide better health access to individuals in Northern Nevada. The commitment of our pre-health professionals and community volunteers is instrumental in the growth of the clinic and the ever-increasing quality and breadth of care offered.
Become a volunteer
Pre-medical student volunteers have been given roles in language interpretation, data entry, patient intake, inventory and supply management, helping patients access low-cost or no-cost pharmaceuticals and fundraising. Volunteering requires a one-semester commitment of twelve or more hours per month. Four official executive staff positions are offered per year to qualified pre-health students.
We are currently accepting clinic volunteer applications. Please fill out our online application here.
The Student Outreach Clinic (SOC) is currently accepting applications for Interpreter positions until March 16, 2022. Primary responsibilities include interpreting/translating clearly and directly, attending at LEAST two clinics each month, carrying themselves in a professional manner including dress code, and being on time. Interpreters will additionally have consistent opportunities to shadow medical students during the clinic.
Interested UNR undergraduates are encouraged to apply, and graduate students are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please email Cecilia Romero (ceciliaromerowilson@nevada.unr.edu) and Melany Gomez (melanygomez@nevada.unr.edu) if you have any questions about the position."
What others have said of their volunteer experience:
"Volunteering at the SOC placed me at the center of a unique crossroads where physicians, medical students, nutritionists, social workers, and many others work together to provide compassionate and thorough care to the underserved in our community. Every clinic provided me with invaluable conversations and experiences, as I saw first hand the complex nature of treating the whole patient. As a result of my interactions with both the SOC team and the terrific patients, I could not be more excited to pursue a medical education and career here in Nevada."
-Sareen Musselman, Fall 2016 SOC Volunteer
"Volunteering at the SOC has been one of the greatest opportunities in my life. The experience allows you to interact with patients, medical students, and physicians from various backgrounds. Throughout the process you learn what it takes to truly care for a patient and what it takes personally to work in the field of medicine. Anyone who gets the opportunity to volunteer with the SOC is beyond lucky."
- Krista Stocke, Fall 2016 SOC Volunteer
"The Student Outreach Clinic has given me the amazing opportunity to gain valuable clinical experience while also making a real difference in the health of my community. By volunteering in such a wonderful environment I have learned that medicine truly is my passion and that there is nothing more satisfying than helping those in need."
- Abel Edossa, Sophomore-University of Nevada, Reno
"My volunteer experience at The Student Outreach Clinic was amazing. The ability for our university to have this program and build a great relationship with community is truly unique. It was such an insightful experience to watch and learn alongside future providers and leaders in medicine."
-Alysa Mallorca, Senior-University of Nevada, Reno
The true cornerstones of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Student Outreach Clinic are the generous health professionals that volunteer their time to assist the needs of the uninsured in Northern Nevada and to contribute to the education of the next generation of medical professionals. If you are a licensed health professional interested in donating your time and skills, we wholeheartedly welcome your participation. Some of our volunteer physicians attend every clinic, while others come when time permits. We are appreciative of any commitment that you can make.
If you are interested in finding out more about the physician volunteer roles with the clinic, please contact us at studentoutreachclinic@med.unr.edu and we will answer any questions that you may have and guide you through the next steps. In addition, you may visit the Office for Community Faculty website for more information on becoming a Community Faculty member.
What others have said of their volunteer experience:
I enjoy volunteering at the SOC. I love learning about the students and other preceptors in town. I volunteer at the SOC to give back to my community and improve the lives of the underserved population in Reno. I feel satisfaction knowing that I can use my skills in medicine to help others outside of my daily practice.
- Amanda Jones, PA-C
I enjoy volunteering at SOC because it is important to me to be able to give back to others and share my knowledge and experience in Family Medicine. It is a way to honor those who helped me along my own journey into medicine. I also feel it is important to help those patients, people in my community, who have less of everything, certainly less healthcare, as a way of embracing our common humanity and perhaps easing suffering.
- Brian Passalacqua, MD, FAAFP
Malpractice Insurance
The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and the Student Outreach Clinic do not provide malpractice or professional liability insurance for volunteer providers. Most professional liability insurance coverage extends beyond traditional clinic and in-hospital duties. In the event that a provider does not have professional liability insurance due to retirement or unusual circumstances through their insurer, provisions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Proof of professional liability insurance will be required upon application. Please contact the Office for Community Faculty via email or at (775) 682-8390 with questions or for more information.