We are excited to share an important leadership update at Volunteers in Medicine San Diego. As we continue our mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care to uninsured and underserved individuals in our community, we are proud to welcome new leadership that will help guide our next chapter of growth and impact.

Introducing Nora Sarte, Executive Director

We are pleased to welcome Nora Sarte as the new Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine
San Diego.

Nora brings over 17 years of experience in healthcare operations and leadership, with a strong focus on expanding access to care for vulnerable and underserved populations. She has led complex, community-based programs spanning clinic operations, care coordination, and program development, and is known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to building systems that improve both patient outcomes and team effectiveness.

Nora’s work is deeply rooted in a human-centered approach to care. As a first-generation Hispanic professional, she is especially passionate about serving communities that often face barriers to accessing healthcare.

In her role as Executive Director, Nora will focus on strengthening operations, expanding services, and deepening community partnerships to ensure VIM continues to meet the evolving needs of the patients we serve.

Message from Nora: I am honored to join Volunteers in Medicine San Diego and to work alongside such a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and community partners. This work is deeply personal to me, and I look forward to building on the organization’s strong foundation, expanding access to compassionate, high-quality care, and deepening the impact we make in the communities we serve.

Looking ahead, this leadership transition marks an exciting moment for VIM San Diego. With a renewed focus on access, quality, and community partnerships, we are committed to continuing to grow our services and reach more individuals in need.

Volunteer Spotlight: Celebrating Our Future Physicians

We are proud to celebrate two of our dedicated volunteers who have recently taken the next step in their journeys to becoming physicians!

Faid Jaafar has been accepted to the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, where she plans to explore specialties such as Cardiology, Nephrology, or Otolaryngology. Faid has been an outstanding outreach volunteer, supporting VIM at numerous community events, including the Santee Swap Meet and resource fairs at Grossmont College.

Leah Eslamian began her journey with VIM as a clinic volunteer and later expanded her involvement through community outreach efforts at events like the Santee Swap Meet and Sanpa Barbershop. She is currently finalizing her decision to attend the Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix.

We are incredibly proud of Faid and Leah and grateful for the compassion and dedication they’ve shared with our patients and community. We wish them both continued success as they embark on this exciting next chapter!

Pictured from left to right: Leah (on the end near the large sign), her sister Ella, Faid, and Naz.

Where Your Donations Go

71% Supports Direct Patient Care

Your support helps provide medical care, clinical staffing, and essential services to underserved patients in our community.

With Gratitude to the Art Pratt Foundation & Rotary Club

On behalf of everyone at Volunteers in Medicine San Diego, we extend our sincere thanks to the Art Pratt Foundation and Rotary Club for their generous grant support.

This investment will have an immediate impact on our clinic—allowing us to create a more functional, organized, and welcoming space for the 2,000–3,000 uninsured patients we serve each year. In a small clinic where every square foot matters, these improvements directly enhance our ability to deliver high-quality, compassionate care.

Your partnership strengthens our mission and helps ensure that individuals in our community receive the care they deserve—regardless of their ability to pay.

Thank you for being a true partner in advancing access to care in East County.

🌿 Health Corner: Spring Reset 🌿
Simple Steps to Boost Your Health in East County

Spring in East County brings longer days, warmer weather, and a fresh opportunity to reset your health. Whether you're managing a chronic condition or just trying to feel your best, small, consistent steps can make a big difference.

🌸 Get Moving in Your Community
Take advantage of local parks, walking trails, and neighborhood streets. Even a 20–30 minute walk a few times a week can improve heart health, lower stress, and boost your energy. Moving your body doesn’t require a gym—just consistency.

🥗 Eat Fresh, Eat Smart
Spring is a great time to add more fresh, affordable foods into your meals. Local markets in East County often offer seasonal fruits and vegetables like citrus, leafy greens, and berries. These foods support your immune system and overall health.

💧 Stay Hydrated as Temperatures Rise
As the weather warms up, it’s important to drink water throughout the day—especially if you’re spending time outdoors or managing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

🌼 Be Prepared for Allergy Season
Spring allergies are common in our region. Try to limit outdoor activity during high pollen times, keep windows closed when possible, and wash your hands and face after being outside. If symptoms become difficult to manage, medical support can help.

🩺 Stay on Top of Your Health
Spring is the perfect time to check in on your health. Managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma can help prevent complications later.

💙 We’re Here for You

At Volunteers in Medicine San Diego, we provide free, high-quality medical care to uninsured adults in our community.

If you or someone you know needs care, we’re here to help with:

- Primary care visits

- Chronic disease management (like diabetes and high blood pressure)

- Preventive screenings

- Care coordination and support

📞 Call us to learn more or schedule an appointment
(619) 440-4591

🌐 Visit our website for eligibility and services
vim-sandiego.org
🤝 Know someone who may need care? Please help us spread the word!

Let's Get Social!

Follow our Volunteers in Medicine San Diego's Facebook page for current events, clinic updates, volunteer opportunities, health-related news, and much more.

You can also find us on LinkedIn as Volunteers In Medicine San Diego, and now on Instagram as well as vimsandiego.