Interprofessional Student Volunteer Corps

Interprofessional student volunteer corps

Student initiated and student led

The Interprofessional Student Volunteer Corps (ISVC) was started in 2020 by medical students in the Population-based Urban and Rural Community Health (PURCH) track as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has since evolved to include other community needs and other health professions students.

As of Spring 2021, 93 students from PURCH, Westfield State University School of Nursing, Western New England School of Pharmacy, BayPath Physician Assistant Program, Springfield College Physician Assistant School, and UMass Amherst College of Nursing are signed up to for future ISVC opportunities.

What We Do

The ISVC aligns community service requirements of health professional schools towards critical service-learning as a teaching strategy to help address health inequities in under-served communities.

Student-led teams respond to the needs, crises, and emergencies in our region by partnering with community organizations that address health inequities disproportionately affecting our most under-served populations.

Faculty support students in developing longitudinal relationships with community partners by preparing them to engage in the community effectively and responsibly.

I really enjoyed being able to help and support the community around my school and the opportunity to get some hands-on experience.
Springfield College student

Program Leadership

  • Sarah Perez McAdoo, MD, MPH

Student Leads for each UMass Chan-Baystate PURCH Medical Student class:

  • Class of 2022: Deirdre Buckley
  • Class of 2023: Calvin Schaffer
  • Class of 2024: Gabby Carroll & Omar Taweh

Opportunities and guidelines for volunteering in Pioneer Valley

Steps to take when choosing a volunteer activity

Student self-identifies or elects a peer to be a student lead for a specified project.

  1. Student lead contacts the person(s) listed under organization contact to gather additional information about how to participate. Upon introduction, students should disclose that they will be able to help as long as they are not needed in other educational capacities (to set expectations).
  2. Student identifies themselves as a student lead on the project on the Google Doc (must request access first).
  3. Student updates the progress column or needs/project description column on the Google Doc, as appropriate. Students may alter volunteering experiences to their specific skill set or commitment level as long as community/organization needs are still met.
  4. Student maintains regular communication with the contact of the volunteer opportunity throughout the duration of their time volunteering, as needed
  5. Student lead participates in at least once monthly calls with Interprofessional Student Volunteer Corps Oversight Team
  6. All participating students will be asked to complete a brief reflection after they have completed their experience.
Sign up to be a student volunteer

Are you a student enrolled in a health professions program who is interested in volunteering at COVID vaccination sites?

Please complete and submit this Student Volunteer Interest Form so that we can help connect students with sites needing health professions students to assist with providing this life-saving vaccine to Springfield community members.

ISVC request form

Working guidelines for student volunteering
  • First and foremost, do no harm when we volunteer.
  • Review the Orientation PowerPoint to familiarize with the ISVC.
  • Assess volunteer opportunities for risk of exposure to students and community using the “traffic light” approach.
  • In light of the pandemic, students should strongly consider risks if volunteering in person as of 3/24/2020.
  • The role of students may change at any time given educational requirements.
  • Target effort so not to over stretch student capacity by taking on too much or volunteer for activities that have multiple layers of complexity.
  • If a student chooses to volunteer on site and the volunteer opportunity has risk of exposure to the coronavirus, students should consider that participation in future volunteer/educational activities may be impacted
  • If you have traveled out of the state, please follow the Mass.gov guidelines for quarantining before participating in a volunteer opportunity.
  • Be mindful of your home institution’s guidelines on volunteering and working directly with clients during the pandemic.

Risk Assessment Guidelines:

If you are not feeling well (in any way whatsoever) you should either step down from volunteering in a current role, or not take on the role at this time.

There will be many others who are well and available to help!

Please follow COVID-19 hand washing and infection control measures at all times, including every time you enter or leave a premises or encounter others.

  • Wash hands frequently
  • Use hand-sanitizer frequently where handwashing facilities are not available
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow
  • Dispose of tissues in a waste bin
  • Maintain social distancing of 6 feet
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Use any protective equipment/measures as instructed.
  • If possible, wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes - dress appropriately for the role and the day
  • If the opportunity requires doing any heavy lifting, consider if you are fit enough to do so. If not, please ask for help or consider if this is the right role for you.
  • Be aware of your environment and stay alert for any tripping hazards e.g. uneven pavements, wet or slippery floors etc.
Request student volunteers

Thank you for your interest in engaging student volunteers with your program at your organization.

To request student volunteers, please complete and submit the Interprofessional Student Volunteer Corps Intake Form to give us a better idea for how students can participate to serve your program's needs.

ISVC Intake form

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