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The Volunteer Voice
E-Newsletter
August 30th, 2019
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss
Welcome Dr. Steven Hippeli
Join the clinic in welcoming a new volunteer dentist, Steven Hippeli, DMD. Dr. Hippeli currently practices with Dr. Loren Grossman (who also volunteers at VIM) at his private office in Kingston and supervises students in Luzerne County Community College's Dental Hygiene Program. The staff is excited to welcome Dr. Hippeli to VIM.
Susan Sordoni, MD to
Receive Excellence in Health Care Award from Misericordia University
On Thursday, October 17th, Dr. Susan Sordoni , VIM Founder, will receive the second annual Misericordia University Excellence in Health Care Award at a public reception to celebrate the university's "Arts in Healthcare" exhibit. The award honors a Misericordia alumnus who has made significant and exemplary contributions to healthcare. Dr. Sordoni is being recognized for founding Volunteers in Medicine and for her continued dedication to volunteering as a physician.
VIM Granted AED Machine from
Hopey's Heart Foundation
Thanks to a grant from the Hopey's Heart Foundation , the clinic will receive a new automated external defibrillator (AED). This life-saving device is used to help patients that are facing sudden cardiac arrest . The clinic has an AED that has become outdated so the upgrade to a new one is greatly needed.
Patient Success Story
A 43-year-old male patient came to VIM's dental clinic in June of 2019 after not having seen a dentist for many years. After an initial evaluation, it was determined the patient would need scaling and root planning . The process usually takes four appointments to complete, however Shelby Goss, VIM's dental hygienist, was able to complete one full arch per appointment. The patient was grateful to receive the dental services and already stated his mouth feels much better.
VIM's Upcoming Events
Save the Dates
Welcome to Our New Students & Resident
Amanda McCarthy began her six-week rotation at the clinic last week. She is in her second year of the Physician Assistant Program at Misericordia University . Amanda is interested in practicing in orthopedics in either the Lehigh Valley or Lancaster area. She looks forward to completing her rotation at the clinic - "I am excited for the opportunity to work here and be a part of the amazing services provided ."
Ali Feathers also began her six-week rotation at the clinic last week. She is in her fifth year of the Physician Assistant Program at King's College . Ali is interested in practicing in Family Medicine in her hometown of Claysburg, PA. She's excited to be at VIM and looks forward to getting to know the staff, volunteers and patients .
Davina Perera , a Geisinger Family Medicine Resident, spent time seeing patients in conjunction with Dr. Frances Feudale , VIM's Medical Director, at the clinic last week. Upon completion of her program, Davina would like to practice in Family Medicine . She was happy to have a clinical rotation at VIM - "I completed my last 4th year rotation at a free clinic in Phoenixville, PA and had the best experience !"
Lower-income Workers Lose Work Time When They Can't Afford Healthcare
An article recently published on HRDive.com , details findings from a study conducted by the Integrated Benefits Institute on the loss of work time low-income individuals experience when they can't afford healthcare.

Here are a few key takeaways from the article:

  • One in three workers with annual family incomes less than $35,000 experienced a cost-related barrier to obtaining medical care between 2007 and 2017.
  • Employees with cost barriers to medical care had an average of 1.9 more lost workdays per year than low-income workers without cost barriers to care. These barriers led to a 70% increase in lost work time compared to a baseline of 2.7 lost workdays.

To read the complete article, click the link below.
Save the Date
Upcoming Educational Community In-Services
Learning about other Luzerne County  community agencies in order to refer patients  is one of the many ways that VIM provides case management services. All in-services are from  9:00 am to 10:00 am  and are held at the clinic. If you would like to join us for the next presentation, please  RSVP to April  at  april-vimwb@hotmail.com  or call 570-970-2864.
 Tuesday, September 10th
Identifying the Signs & Symptoms of an Eating Disorder
Presented by Dr. Jennifer Buckwash, PsyD, LPC
 Tuesday, October 15th
Geisinger's Fresh Food Farmacy
Presented by Allison Hess
 Tuesday, November 12th
Family Service Association
Presented by Atty. Gert McGowan
 Tuesday, December 3rd
Robinson Counseling Center
Presented by Jessica Budzak
 Tuesday, January 14th
2020 U.S. Census
Presented by Katie Derhammer
Maven Project Educational
Teleconference Sessions
In conjunction with the clinic's partnership with the Maven Project , educational teleconference sessions will be provided by physicians across the country. Each session will be from 12:00pm to 1:00pm in the clinic's conference room and is open to volunteers and providers.
The upcoming teleconferences sessions are:

  • Tuesday, September 3rd - Diabetes Management

  • Tuesday, October 1st - Chronic Kidney Disease: A Primer for Primary Care Physicians

  • Tuesday, October 15th - Management of Asthma in Adults
If there is a topic you would be interested in learning about, please reach out to Dr. Frances Feudale, VIM's Medical Director, at
drfrances-vim@hotmail.com .
Let's Get Social!
@VolunteersInMedicineWB
Volunteers  in  Medicine 
 190 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Wilkes-Barre PA 18702
Phone: 570-970-2864 | email: vimwb@hotmail.com
website www.vimwb.org