Founded in 2003, Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) is a free clinic in El Cajon serving those who cannot afford health insurance or medical care Thank you.
We operate by appointment only. Please call the clinic to schedule an appointment. This allows us to understand what your needs may be and pair you with a volunteer Healthcare Provider to meet those needs directly. Our volunteers work for us on an as needed basis and their schedules vary. Therefore, it is easiest for us to speak directly with you to ensure we find the best time and provider to assist you.
04/17/2026
We’re excited to be back at the Santee Swap Meet this Sunday! Stop by the Volunteers in Medicine booth while you shop to receive a FREE blood pressure check and learn more about our clinic and the services we offer to support our community. Taking a few minutes to check in on your health can make a big difference—don’t miss it!
Santee Swap Meet
April 20, 6:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📌 10990 N Woodside Ave, Santee, CA 9207
04/16/2026
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month 💙
At Volunteers in Medicine San Diego, our work is only possible because of the incredible individuals who give their time, skills, and heart to serve our community.
From our physician volunteers, clinic support team, and outreach volunteers, to our dedicated Board of Directors—each of you plays a vital role in making care accessible to those who need it most.
While we can’t capture everyone in one photo, please know this:
You are seen. You are valued. And we are deeply grateful.
This month, we’ll be highlighting the people behind the mission—stay tuned 💫
04/08/2026
We are excited to officially welcome Nora Sarte as the new Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine San Diego.
Nora brings over 17 years of healthcare leadership experience and a deep commitment to expanding access to care for underserved communities.
“I am honored to join Volunteers in Medicine San Diego and to work alongside such a dedicated team. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and expanding our impact in the community.”
Please join us in welcoming Nora to the VIM family. 💙
03/25/2026
Volunteers in Medicine had a great time at the Spring Valley Swap Meet sharing information about our clinic, our services, and how we’re here to support the health of our community. Opportunities like this allow us to meet people where they are and help spread awareness about accessible care.
A big thank you to the Spring Valley Swap Meet for hosting us—we’re grateful to be part of such a vibrant and welcoming community!
Have questions or want to learn more? Feel free to message us here or visit our website at vim-sandiego.org
03/23/2026
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in both men and women—but when caught early through screening, it is highly treatable.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Volunteers in Medicine is committed to making sure our patients and local community have the knowledge and resources to stay informed and protected.
Did you know?
• Screening should begin at age 45
• 1 in 5 cases now occur in people under 55
• Many cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices
The most important step you can take is getting screened—early detection saves lives.
📲 Scan the QR code to learn more about colorectal cancer, screening options, and ways to reduce your risk.
Let’s work together to raise awareness, prioritize prevention, and protect our community’s health.
02/14/2026
Love Your Heart This February
Volunteers In Medicine is proud to participate in Love Your Heart Month with Live Well San Diego by offering FREE blood pressure screenings to our community! High blood pressure often has no warning signs, which is why regular checks are so important. VIM is offering you the opportunity to come to the clinic and check in on your health.
February 18 | 2–7 PM
February 21 | 9 AM–2 PM
✔ First 12 patients each day
✔ RSVPs Preferred, Walk-ins Welcome
Be sure to scan the QR code at your visit to better understand your blood pressure results and what they mean for your health. Know your numbers. Protect your heart.
02/03/2026
Cast your votes, the deadline is vote for VIM is approaching on February 8!
We’re proud to share that Volunteers in Medicine has been nominated for the 114th Annual East County Honors Awards, presented by the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce. Being recognized alongside so many impactful organizations and leaders in our community is truly meaningful.
Now it’s up to you! Community voting is open, and your vote can help make a difference. Please take a moment to support us by selecting Volunteers in Medicine under the Social Services category.
Thank you for standing with us and helping make compassionate care possible for those who need it most.
01/31/2026
Volunteers in Medicine will be at the City Heights Free Health Fair offering free screenings, consultations, and help accessing health and community resources. It’s a simple, no-cost way to stay on top of your health!
🗓 Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Park De La Cruz Gymnasium | 3911 Landis St, San Diego
01/22/2026
We’re proud to share that Volunteers in Medicine has been nominated for the 114th Annual East County Honors Awards, presented by the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce. Being recognized alongside so many impactful organizations and leaders in our community is truly meaningful.
Now it’s up to you! Community voting is open, and your vote can help make a difference. Please take a moment to support us by selecting Volunteers in Medicine under the Social Services category.
Thank you for standing with us and helping make compassionate care possible for those who need it most!
12/31/2025
🎉 Please join us in welcoming our newest VIM Board Member, Katie Hallett!
We’re thrilled to expand our board and team as we head into a new year with fresh energy and shared purpose.
Together, we’re committed to working hard in the year ahead to serve our patients in the very best way possible. Welcome to the VIM family, Katie—we’re so glad you’re here!
12/24/2025
We're grateful for the continuous support of our amazing partners, donors and volunteers and look forward to serving you in the New Year. May the magic of the season bring hope and happiness to your home. Happy Holidays from all of us at VIM-SD!
12/24/2025
This holiday season we are reminded of the extraordinary power of compassion—and the impact it has on the lives of our neighbors.
For more than 20 years, Volunteers in Medicine, San Diego has been a place of hope and healing for uninsured adults in East County and throughout San Diego County. We invite you to make a donation this holiday season that directly touches the lives of our patient. Whether it’s helping someone manage a chronic condition, access critical medications, or receive preventive care that changes the course of their health, your generosity becomes health, hope, and healing. Swipe through to see a list of items our clinic can purchase with your donation!
Thank you for standing with our patients and our mission. Your support strengthens the foundation of care that so many in our community rely on.
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Volunteers in Medicine - San Diego:
Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) began in Hilton Head, South Carolina—born out of the kind heart of a retired physician—Jack McConnell. The good doctor often gave rides to hitchhikers and was shocked to learn that many of them were among a much larger problem…millions of people with no access to healthcare through no fault of their own. Because he was a man of action, he started the first VIM clinic in 1993. Since that first clinic, VIM has become a national organization whose primary purpose is to establish neighborhood medical clinics that serve the uninsured families in a Culture of Caring.
The Heart and Soul of Every VIM Clinic: The Culture of Caring
Remembering that how people are treated is as important as the medical care they receive
Knowing those coming to us are good people in need of help who do their best to survive on limited resources, exhibiting great courage simply trying to get through each day
Recognizing the strengths of those in need and respecting their dignity
Seeking to heal not only physical illnesses, but also the injury caused by bias, prejudice and indifference
Culture of Caring Spreads to San Diego
Many residents of East County San Diego faced this same daunting issue of finding healthcare. VIM San Diego began working tirelessly to become a safety net for thousands of patients who do not have healthcare insurance.
We are a free medical clinic that serves thousands in need each year…there are no charges, bills or insurance forms to fill out. As you can imagine, an accomplishment of this magnitude took a significant amount of time, effort and dedication.