What is volunteering? According to Miriam-Webster, volunteering is when “a person voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service.” Though this is the technical definition, volunteering is much more than just that!

At Alliance Medical Ministry (AMM), we would not be able to run without the extraordinary help that our volunteers give each and every day, providing critical services for our patients. They go above and beyond to assist our staff in getting the vitals of patients, calling patients about their medication, working with other offices to set up referral appointments, and interpreting for our doctors and patients. Each volunteer ensures that our patients receive the comprehensive and compassionate healthcare they deserve.

So what is it like volunteering at AMM? We asked one of our volunteers to tell us about what volunteering and volunteering at AMM mean to him.

Meet Ashwin Inala! Ashwin is one of our Patient Services (Project Access) volunteers and has been with us for around eight months. After he began volunteering, Ashwin quickly learned more about our processes, our staff, and most importantly, our patients and our mission. The more he has volunteered with us, week after week, the more he has seen how essential our services are to our patients. Ashwin is a very dedicated volunteer and has become an important member of our team. So, we asked him about his experience volunteering with AMM.

Why do you volunteer? What attracted you to AMM’a mission?

Growing up, I remember spending numerous days in my granduncle’s clinic when I visited my extended family in India. He was one of the few physicians in the town to offer affordable care to the community’s underserved. It was easy to see him as a medical expert, as well as a companion to his patients. After graduating from college last year, I spent some time working in Connecticut. Living in a medically and economically disadvantaged neighborhood, I made an effort to interact routinely with my neighbors. They were worried about how the continued lack of access to health and education resources would further deteriorate the community in the coming years. Both these experiences fueled my desire to aid the underserved in whatever capacity I could.

What attracted you to AMM in particular? In your opinion, what is the most important work this organization does?

Out of all the free clinics in the Triangle, I decided to join AMM due to the sheer amount of services available to patients here. On top of receiving quality, affordable care, patients are able to pick up medications, take wellness classes, get COVID-19 vaccines, and much more. AMM patients have a trusted support system available to them at all times.

What motivates you to stay involved with AMM?

As someone who is insured and financially stable, I am thankful not to have to worry about the possible consequences of getting sick or injured. I have a plethora of healthcare professionals at my disposal to get the proper assistance needed. These same luxuries are not afforded to everyone, especially to patients at the free clinic. Viewing the struggles that some have to endure before receiving the help they deserve is incredibly humbling.

What is the best part about volunteering at AMM?

The community here is amazing. The entire staff and other volunteers are deeply invested in supporting each other. Every time I come in, there is an energy to provide the best care possible for patients.

What would you say to others who are considering volunteering with us?

Your help is needed! There is a great variety of opportunities at the clinic that line up with individuals harnessing various interests and strengths.

What would your advice be to new AMM volunteers?

Don’t be nervous to ask for help. Whichever department you are placed in, the staff will do all they can to ease the onboarding process.

Any anecdotes from working here you would want to share that would showcase what volunteering at AMM is like?

From scheduling their appointments to welcoming them to the clinic, I enjoy connecting with patients from different backgrounds. One day, I talked to a patient with chronic pelvic pain. She was appreciative for finally being able to afford an appointment with a gynecologist through the clinic. Nothing beats moments like these.

Do you feel like you are making a difference?

Yes, I hope so! For patients, staying on top of the many moving pieces regarding their health can be overwhelming. In my position, I strive to guide patients to achieve the quality of life they seek.

Thank you, Ashwin, for all your incredible work at AMM! We could not do what we do without you. If you are interested in volunteering your skills like Ashwin, head on over to our website to check out AMM volunteering opportunities!