Amrou Ali Idris, MD, is a hospitalist who joined the Salem Hospital team three years ago.

Before becoming a hospitalist, Dr. Ali Idris was doing research in Minnesota. During that time, he didn’t have medical insurance, and the Salvation Army Free Clinic was the only place where he could receive care.

“They treated me really well and that sticks in my mind,” said Dr. Ali Idris. “I told myself if I succeeded as a physician, I would return the favor.”

Full circle patient care

That’s why the hospitalist decided to start volunteering at Salem Free Clinics in 2023.

“Volunteering gives me a feeling of satisfaction,” he said. “It’s satisfying to do medicine and not always get paid for it.”

Dr. Ali Idris said he mostly volunteers at the clinic in downtown Salem, and he’s touched to see the gratitude and appreciation from patients there.

“It puts you in touch with reality,” he said. “There’s a large population who doesn’t have access to medical care and they need to be taken care of — they need somebody to guide them.”

Meeting the need for a range of patients

The hospitalist said Salem Free Clinics serves both primary care and urgent care patients. He also refers patients to Salem Hospital when needed for things like imaging.

Dr. Ali Idris notes some patients, such as those with diabetes, need long-term care. Others come in with acute symptoms.

On any given day in the clinic, Dr. Ali Idris said he doesn’t forget his beginnings as a patient in the same setting.

“These clinics that help the underserved help a lot of people,” he said. “That included me.”

How to volunteer

Salem Free Clinics is always looking for volunteers. Click here to learn more about ways to give back in our community.