Volunteer Street Medicine Primary Care Provider

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Position Overview

Join our dedicated team of healthcare professionals providing vital medical care to individuals experiencing homelessness throughout San Diego. As a Volunteer Street Medicine Provider, you will lead mobile medical teams delivering primary care services directly to unsheltered populations in their environments of living.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive primary care services in non-traditional settings, including encampments, vehicles, and street locations
• Perform physical examinations, diagnose conditions, and develop treatment plans
• Prescribe medications and manage chronic conditions with limited resources
• Provide wound care and infection management
• Screen for communicable diseases and implement appropriate interventions
• Make critical decisions about emergency care and hospital referrals
• Document patient encounters in accordance with medical standards (teams have a scribe)

Leadership & Teaching

• Lead street medicine teams during outreach missions
• Provide clinical guidance to other team members
• Advocate for patient needs within the healthcare system

Qualifications

Required:

• MD, DO, PA, NP degree from accredited institution
• Current, unrestricted California medical license
• Board certification in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or related specialty
• Current DEA registration
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Physical ability to walk considerable distances and work in various weather conditions
• Strong commitment to serving vulnerable populations
• Excellence in clinical decision-making with limited resources

Preferred:

• Previous experience in homeless healthcare or street medicine
• Experience working with vulnerable populations
• Familiarity with local healthcare systems and resources
• Spanish language proficiency
• Background in addiction medicine or psychiatry

Time Commitment

• Minimum 6 hours per month
• 6-month minimum commitment

Working Conditions

• Extensive walking and outdoor work in varying weather conditions
• Need for flexible problem-solving and resource utilization

Support Provided

• Mobile medical equipment and supplies
• Electronic health record system access

Professional Development

• Opportunity to develop expertise in street medicine
• Participation in street medicine conferences and workshops
• Leadership development through team management

Legal Considerations

• Coverage under Good Samaritan laws
• Compliance with HIPAA and patient privacy regulations
• Documentation requirements for care provided

To Apply

Please submit:

1. Current CV
2. Copy of medical license and board certification
3. Brief statement of interest (500 words maximum)

Program Impact

Your expertise will directly contribute to:

• Reducing barriers to healthcare access
• Preventing medical complications in vulnerable populations
• Decreasing emergency department utilization
• Building trust between healthcare systems and marginalized communities
• Training the next generation of street medicine providers