Hometown EMT supports Free Clinic patients while exploring a path to medical school

EMT Jerome Jerome IV is the first volunteer in a new program for first responders at the Free Clinic.

For Jerome Jerome IV, volunteering at the Monday night Upper Valley Free Clinic is one of the highlights of his week.

The 23-year-old began volunteering at the Free Clinic in February 2026. Jerome works as an EMT but was looking for other ways to gain experience as he explores the option of attending medical school.

“I wanted to be in a place where everybody can get care,” he said. “I think that’s really important.”

Although he lives in Leavenworth, Jerome commutes to Omak once a week for his 48-hour EMT shifts. His rotating schedule means he’s available to volunteer at the Free Clinic five to six Mondays in row before missing a couple of weeks for work shifts. He is the first volunteer in a new program the Free Clinic has started for first responders.

Thanks to his EMT license, Jerome is able to help lead Free Clinic patients to their rooms and take their histories and vitals. He can also perform localized exams and help with minor procedures.

Due to how busy the Free Clinic usually is, having an extra volunteer available is welcome and appreciated. The appreciation goes both ways.

“Everybody there is super nice,” he says.

The volunteer physicians and nurse practitioners have been happy to teach Jerome and let him observe them with their patients when time allows. Jerome enjoys volunteering at the clinic for multiple reasons.

“It really met my expectations of what a free clinic should be like,” he says. “It’s a very needed space and I’m really glad to be a part of it.”

Jerome, who grew up in Leavenworth, has appreciated feeling like he is giving back to the community in such a meaningful way. He likes being able to offer care to people who have cared for him.

“I like giving back to people who once helped me—or still do,” he says.

Giving back in a sustainable way

He also appreciates observing a model that feels sustainable for the people providing the care. Jerome wants to be a part of ensuring people get the care they need, regardless of ability to pay. Seeing an option where medical providers can provide that care that doesn’t have to interfere with their paid jobs has been inspirational.

“There’s this idea that running a free clinic will make it hard to make a living,” he says. “But it’s totally attainable.”

Jerome spoke about the example that Free Clinic Manager Karl Kranz has created. Dr. Kranz was one of the people who helped start the Upper Valley Free Clinic in 2000, volunteering at the clinic while he was still a working physician. Dr. Kranz has been the Free Clinic Manager since the COVID 19 pandemic; although he has retired from his medical practice, he is still one of the volunteer medical providers who’s usually on the schedule.

Although Jerome isn’t sure where he’ll ultimately land, he’s hoping it will be either in a small city or town with a similar community feel. He likes the idea of being part of a free clinic wherever he ends up.

“It’s something I think I can do given the right situation,” he says. “I would really like to practice in a similar space.”