In the past, whenever a safety-net clinic needed a favor, physicians would waste time calling on friends who were specialists. This produced “charity doc” burnout and was terribly inefficient. In 2004 Genesis started putting together a volunteer network that has grown into more than 140 independant specialists and Boise’s two primary hospital systems who are willing to give donate generously of their specialty services.
Volunteer Physicians Network (VPN) serves as a community hub to coordinate specialty services between primary care clinics and medical specialists. Each year, about $1 million dollars in care is written off by hospitals, labs, radiology and physicians offices in order provide needed care to eligible patients.
The impact of having access to this care is life altering. For example, in 2015:
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Three individuals received sight-saving or sight-restoring eye surgeries. One young man had severe cataracts which caused him to quit school as his sight deteriorated. After surgery he is now back in school with good vision and a bright future.
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After treatment by our neurosurgeon, one lady has had pressure on the brain relieved, closing a painful and debilitating chapter in her life. She has now returned to work and looks forward to a productive and grateful life ahead.
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Two young women had surgery for gynecologic cancer. Both prognoses are good they and their families are most grateful they are free of pain and cancer. They are once again enjoying productive and healthy lives.
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Eight women and men have been returned to work-ready status after receiving hernia surgery. Some have gone back to their previous jobs, others are now able to once again seek employment and become part of the work force while one single mother has been able to return work and college to further her education.
