Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Senior Health Service Corps?
A unique civilian cadre of senior clinicians collectively engaged in public service to disadvantaged and underserved populations served by Community Health Centers. The SHSC will function as a collaborative community of experienced clinicians engaged in guiding community health care development at a high level.
Why would someone want to join The SHSC?
It offers an opportunity to stay engaged in their profession, serve needy patients in their community, and enjoy the camaraderie of peers at both the health center and Corps levels--to be a clinician once again in a flexible way that is consistent with their current status.
Why is the SHSC necessary?
To help meet the critical shortage of over 15,000 primary care & mental health clinicians and 10,000 nurses in the nations system of 8000 FQHC sites as they expand their capacity to serve an additional 20 million patients by 2015.
Who would be eligible to join?
Duly licensed MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, and RNs with a background in primary care or mental health and who have not been away from practice for more than 3 years.
What would SHSC members do?
They would provide clinical service alongside younger colleagues in the health center, lending valuable experience-based mentoring, and in some cases formal teaching to students and residents.
What is the time commitment?
While every effort will be made to assure scheduling flexibility a commitment of 1 day a week would generally be expected.
Are Corps members volunteers or are they paid?
They would “volunteer” to join the Corps but would receive a stipend from the health center based on the time spent in clinical service or teaching.
What about malpractice coverage?
Full protection is provided free by the health center under the Federal Tort Claims Act under which suits are brought against the government, not the practitioner.
When would the SHSC be formed?
The program is now under development with the expectation that initial recruitment will begin in a single state in the Fall of 2010, followed within a year by a national rollout.
Who is behind the Senior Health Service Corps?
The SHSC was conceived by the leadership of the American Health Initiative with critical help along the way by a notable professional advisory group, and in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers. Funding thus far has come from both foundations and corporations.