John Elliot Epps ’24 began volunteering in 2022 at the Free Medical Clinic in Columbia, South Carolina, and quickly became known for his willingness to serve in any capacity.
For his efforts, Epps, a biology major from Columbia, was recently named the clinic’s volunteer of the year for 2024.
“He does anything we ask of him with no complaints,” says Freddie Strange Jr., the clinic’s executive director. “He goes above and beyond what we would normally ask a volunteer to do, whether that’s cleaning parking lots, helping me make repairs to the building or helping patients with their electronic devices.”
Epps was chosen for the award by a panel of three judges that included Strange, board member Todd Crump and Development Director Caryn Pumphrey. The panel considered 100 volunteers and based its decision the impact of their work in and out of the clinic as well as their character.
“I was eager to volunteer and help out wherever I could,” says Epps. “What stood out the most is that a lot of the stuff I helped with wasn’t related to medicine at all.”
Epps, who has committed to attend the Medical University of South Carolina, says his duties have gradually increased from administrative tasks to clinical responsibilities. He plans to continue volunteering at the clinic this summer until his classes start in the fall.
“I am fortunate to have this experience moving into whatever medical specialty I end up pursuing because it teaches you that whether you’re a doctor, a nurse or the janitor — all are working toward the same goal and no job should be beneath you,” Epps says.