Rheumatology and orthopedic specialists needed at the RI Free Clinic

One doesn’t have to travel to another country to help

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Free Clinic, a primary care medical home for Rhode Islanders who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford health insurance, is in need of volunteer physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners who are specialists in rheumatology and orthopedics. Hours could be during the day or evening, depending on the volunteers’ availability. Morning shift hours are 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday, afternoon hours are 1-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and evening hours are 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays plus the second Wednesday and fourth Monday of each month.

“Spending time at the Clinic reminds me of why I became a doctor,” says Dr. Caroline Troise, an internal medicine specialist with Anchor Medical Associates, who is also RI Free Clinic’s Volunteer Medical Director. “One doesn’t have to travel to another country to care for the needy. Your help is needed, and gratefully received, right here.”

Physicians, PAs and NPs – active or retired – who would like to volunteer must be credentialed and able to practice medicine in the United States. For those physicians who are retired, malpractice insurance through HRSA is available at no cost. Most practitioners volunteer on a weekly or monthly basis.

Founded in 1999, the RI Free Clinic is located at 655 Broad Street in Providence. For more information call Tomas Morales at 401-274-6347, ext. 327.