About the Clinic
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Welcome! Whether you are without insurance and interested in care, or would like to join our team, we look forward to meeting you!
The St. Mary's Legacy Clinic is a medical clinic that travels to partner sites in underserved areas of East Tennessee to offer people without medical insurance holistic, primary care services. The clinic is a “family doctor’s office on wheels,” so SMLC provides care for both urgent health needs (i.e. acute illnesses, minor injuries, etc.) and chronic conditions (i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.). SMLC offers telehealth visits between in-person appointments, and we connect patients to more services through our partners. Most importantly, SMLC treats each person with dignity and respect and aims to provide a compassionate environment for everyone we encounter. As a Catholic ministry, SMLC follows the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, which promote the dignity of each person.
SMLC schedules appointments for patients, and we accommodate walk-in visits when possible. There is no cost for SMLC services, as we are funded solely by grants and donations. Laboratory testing and assistance with obtaining medications are provided on site. Patient education and disease prevention are a strong focus.
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST.
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"The biggest strength [of SMLC] is compassion for the people we serve." -SMLC Volunteer
SMLC Vision: Provide high quality compassionate health care of the Whole Person based on Catholic values by extending the healing ministries of Jesus Christ to rural East Tennessee.
SMLC Mission: Continuing the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy by providing primary care to improve lives of the medically underserved in the rural areas of East Tennessee through our clinics, volunteers and partnerships.
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What patients say about our care
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FAQs
- Who staffs the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic?
- Who is eligible to receive services from St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic?
- What services are provided by St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic?
- What services are NOT able to be provided by St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic?
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The Clinic is run by a small staff and many volunteer physicians, nurses, and community members who have chosen to donate their time and skills to this great ministry. We have over 90 active volunteers. Click here to learn more about our volunteers.
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Anyone who does not have health insurance may receive care. If you are not currently receiving medical care for any other reason (eg: inability to pay copays, unable to travel to a doctor, etc.) you may be eligible on a case-by-case basis. Click here to learn about becoming a patient.
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The clinic seeks to be a “family doctor’s office on wheels.” We provide primary care services to people who are not currently receiving health care. It can provide care for both urgent health care needs (acute illnesses, minor injuries) and chronic conditions (such as high blood pressure and diabetes). We provide telehealth visits for our patients, and we also do laboratory testing and can provide assistance with getting medications. Click here for a list of services provided.
Patient education and disease prevention are a strong focus for the clinic staff. There is no cost for any of our services. Donations are gladly accepted.
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The Clinic is not able to provide dental care, vision care, contraception, narcotics or pain management, pregnancy-related services, screenings for disability, DOT physicals (for truck drivers), or worker’s compensation.
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Our Mission Statement
We believe in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ and in continuing the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy by providing healthcare to the poor and medically underserved in the rural areas of East Tennessee.
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Our Staff
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Martin P. Vargas, MBAExecutive Director
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Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, RSM, DOMedical Director
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Sister Celeste Mary Poche, RSM, APRNNurse Practitioner
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Brianna VinyardVolunteer Coordinator
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Rebecca PipkinsCommunity Outreach Coordinator
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