Clinical Volunteer Information
If you are a licensed provider, we would love to have you as a clinical volunteer!
Clinical Volunteer Needs
Athens Wellness Clinic welcomes licensed medical, dental, nursing, and behavioral health professionals, including retirees, who want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of uninsured adults in our community. We value volunteers who can support patient care on a recurring basis.
We accept volunteers with the following credentials:
MD, DO, PA, NP, RN, DDS, DMD, Dental Hygienist (RDH), Dental Assistant, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMHC, LAPC, LMFT, or equivalent behavioral health licensure. This opportunity is NOT available to UGA or other students seeking clinical experience.
You’ll have the opportunity to treat patients with interesting and sometimes challenging cases, affording you the ability to keep your skills sharp and your medical knowledge current.
Email director@athenswellnessclinic.org to reach our executive director and Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Witt with any questions, or go ahead and apply below!
Current Volunteer Needs
Medical
Internal Medicine and Primary Care providers
OB and GYN or Women's Health clinicians
Dental
Dentists (DMD or DDS)
Dental Hygienists (RDH)
Dental Assistants
Dental volunteers should plan for one half-day shift once per quarter at minimum.
Behavioral Health
We welcome counselors and therapists with experience in:
Complex mental illness
Substance use disorders
Trauma-informed care
Monthly or bi-monthly availability is preferred, and we are happy to discuss scheduling.
Volunteer Time Commitments
Medical Providers: Minimum of one half-day shift per month
Dental Providers: Minimum of one half-day shift per quarter
Behavioral Health Providers: Monthly or bi-monthly recurring availability preferred
All volunteers must complete a background check.
Georgia Volunteer Health Care Program (GVHCP)
Athens Wellness Clinic participates in the GVHCP to support volunteer protection and ensure high-quality care.
Mission
To expand access to healthcare for uninsured Georgians by providing sovereign immunity protection to licensed health professionals who volunteer services to eligible patients.
Liability Protections
Sovereign Immunity (State Protection)
Volunteer providers who act within their licensed scope of practice at our clinic are considered state officers or employees and are immune from liability under OCGA 50-21-25.
Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)
FTCA protection may apply to certain volunteer providers who have completed the required credentialing process and have been deemed PHS employees. Clinic entities themselves are not covered.
Good Samaritan Law
Individuals who provide emergency care in good faith are protected from civil liability under OCGA 51-1-29.
GVHCP Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for GVHCP coverage, volunteer providers must:
Hold an active and unrestricted license with no board orders
Practice strictly within their scope
Treat patients who meet GVHCP eligibility requirements as determined by trained AWC staff
“Everyone we treat [at AWC] is incredibly thankful for what we do, and I truly love the entire staff’s dedication.”
— Dr. Doug Cleveland, Volunteer Dental Clinic Provider at Athens Wellness Clinic
