The Volunteer Experience

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Jenelle Joseph Allen, and I’m a first-year pharmacology student at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS). I hope to obtain my doctoral degree in pharmacology by 2031. I’m also a volunteer shift leader at BMC. At BMC, I guide patients to their correct appointments, foster a supportive environment, and make sure patients can safely navigate the layout of the hospital, especially with the recent renovations. I value the interactions I’m able to have with patients, and I think they’ll help me strengthen how I communicate with others during pharmacy clinicals.  

I’ve also completed an accelerated pharmacy technician course, and I learned so much from this experience, including the main functions of the human body and how different medications can help improve a person’s quality of life. In addition, I took part in an eight-hour externship program, where I gained hands-on experience in the pharmacology field. It was exciting to get a preview of what my future in this field will look like.  

“BMC gives the time and the quality to make sure that patient care is really achieved. And I like how there’s different specialties to make sure that patients don’t have to scour all over Boston just to get the care they need as BMC is a level one trauma hospital that also has great outpatient resources.”    

What do you enjoy most about BMC?

My favorite part about volunteering at BMC is having the opportunity to guide patients through the hospital. I want to make sure patients feel comfortable asking me for directions so that I can assist them. I don’t want patients to feel rushed or stressed out about navigating to their appointments because I can ensure they arrive safety and on time. Guiding patients – and hearing their stories – is very touching. BMC provides exceptional care to its community, which is evident in how patients describe their experiences at the hospital.  

What’s your advice for those interested in volunteering at BMC?

I would tell someone interested in volunteering at BMC to go for it. It’s a great community because all the volunteer shift leaders have wonderful comradery and rapport. It’s nice to learn about their career endeavors, and it’s nice when they ask about mine, too. I love the group I work with. It’s interesting to meet people from different stages of life. Some are in high school, and others are in college. And you’re able to make connections with new people entering the hospital. You never know where patient conversations will take you, and BMC is such a welcoming environment.  

Tell us a little bit about yourself.  

My name is Angelina Moy, and I’m currently a sophomore studying chemistry at Tufts University. I’m on the pre-med track, and I was born and raised in Boston with two older brothers. Outside of college and volunteering, I work as a patient care technician at Tufts Medical Center and EMT teaching assistant at Tufts University. I currently live in Boston, and I’m a close distance to BMC—just under a one-minute walk. I’ve always embraced BMC as part of my community. And I wanted to volunteer at BMC because I think it’s important to give back to my community. Also, I think helping, supporting, and providing companionship can make others feel better and less alone, especially if they’re having a bad day.  

Additionally, I play the violin and have been playing since third grade. It's really fun. I'm part of a program called the Boston String Academy. I've been playing with the program since third grade, and more recently, I've had the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant to help educate younger students to play the violin. It’s been very rewarding to see my students grow.          

“It’s always felt rewarding to help people in a hospital setting. You get to see different perspectives on people’s lives, how they might feel on a certain day, or how they might be having the worst day of their lives. Being able to help them navigate and provide comfort during a hard time is something I don’t take for granted.”    

Are there any memorable moments at BMC?  

During one of my first volunteer shifts at BMC, I helped a patient navigate to her appointment, waited with her, and accompanied her on her way back home. I wanted to make sure she arrived home safely. During this time, I spoke with her and got to know her better. She told me why volunteering at BMC is so vital, especially when dealing with navigational challenges from the recent renovations. The patient was thankful that I took time from my shift to make sure she was okay. The part that resonates even more is recognizing that I made a big difference in this patient’s day even as a volunteer. Moments like these solidify the impact of volunteering and change your perspective.

What’s your advice for people wanting to volunteer at BMC?  

I'm a naturally shy person, but I think it’s important to step outside of your comfort zone. Don’t be shy. Greet patients, offer assistance, and talk to people. It’s helped me become more confident when talking with strangers in all aspects of my personal and professional life. You can always learn something new from a stranger.   

Tell us a little bit about yourself.  

My name is Benista Osuamo, and I was born and raised in Boston. I went to Harvard University, where I studied biochemical engineering and computer science. I graduated in May 2025, and I’m currently working at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in a radiation oncology lab. My lab’s focus is on prostate cancer and liquid biopsies. Specifically, I’m helping investigate whether radiation treatments are working effectively and detecting whether prostate cancer is reoccurring in patients. My lab cares about ensuring radiation treatments are making a positive difference for our patients.  

I was interested in medicine and engineering throughout college. I worked at a different research lab during college, where I explored gene editing. It was wonderful to recognize that the treatments I was examining were actively improving patients’ lives and medical outcomes. But I wanted to get more exposure to patients, so I started shadowing and researching different volunteer opportunities, which is how I found BMC. And I chose to volunteer at BMC because it’s a safety net hospital.  

As a child of Ghanaian immigrants, I wanted to be in a space filled with patients, doctors, and medical personnel representative of a wide demographic of people. This is another reason why I decided to volunteer at BMC. Additionally, I love teaching younger kids, and I teach Sunday school math, including Introduction to Probability and Introduction to Graph Theory. I teach subjects that kids often don’t learn through a traditional curriculum.

“I’ve formed relationships with hospital administration and medical professionals. We say good morning every single time I come in, and they’re like, ‘It’s great to see you.’ They ask me how I’m doing. And it’s the same with patients I’ve seen a couple of times. It’s been so nice to feel like a part of the hospital. It feels like a family. It’s something I wasn’t expecting when I first joined BMC, and I’ve been happy to experience it.”

Any memorable experiences during your time at BMC?  

During my first shift at BMC, I was very nervous. I had the 6 a.m. shift, so I didn’t have much orientation prior, and I didn’t know what to expect. But when I arrived, I was graciously welcomed into the hospital community. Shift leaders showed me the ropes and assigned me to a station. They were eager to meet me and get to know me better. Administrative team members and medical professionals approached me throughout the day and asked me about myself. They saw that I was a new face. Having this experience on my first day will always resonate with me. It’s helped me talk with patients in the same hospitable and caring nature that was extended to me. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Sahr Matturi, and I’m a senior studying biology at Tufts University. I’ve always been interested in science. I love all the different applications it can have, and I love how science has other studies within it. 

How’d you become involved with BMC?       

Since I’m interested in pursuing a career in medicine, I felt it was helpful to immerse myself in a hospital setting so that I could interact with patients and learn the day-to-day operations of a healthcare organization. It’s something you don’t always experience on the research side. I’m also a patient at BMC, which factored into my decision. 

“Be open-minded and be willing to walk and learn where things are. It’s not just saying, ‘Go down. Take a right or take a left.’ You have to guide and direct patients by walking alongside them, which requires patience and a willingness to learn.”

What’s one memorable experience at BMC that stands out?  

A few weeks after Thanksgiving 2025, I was asked to volunteer in the Preventive Food Pantry for my shift as opposed to my typical ambassador role. It was really fun. I helped out during a particularly busy time before the holiday season and the volume of people visiting the pantry continued to increase. It helped me better understand the significance of the pantry because so many people were reliant on it, especially at a time where SNAP benefits were suspended. It was such a memorable experience because I had the chance to speak with patients, get to know them better, and help them with food insecurity.

I’ve really enjoyed my time volunteering at BMC. One reason I think it’s a great opportunity is that the Volunteer Services team is very kind and helpful. The team takes the time to get to know you and understand your interests. They’re always willing to take on more volunteers to help fill roles, so I’d encourage you to apply to BMC if you’d like to give volunteering a shot.      

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Kenny, and I’m a second-year master’s student at Boston University in their Medical Sciences program. I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2023, and I spent a year doing research there. After that, I moved to Boston to start this research program, and I’m currently in the application cycle for medical school.  

I’ve been volunteering at BMC since 2025. So it’s been almost a year since working as a volunteer ambassador and helping the Volunteer Services team. Back in Chicago, I did some hospital volunteering and community volunteering, too.  

How’d you become involved with BMC?  

Since I started my master’s program at Boston University across the street, volunteering at BMC seemed like a convenient and natural choice.  

I wanted to continue hospital volunteering because I really enjoyed being in hospital clinical spaces, and I haven’t gotten tired of it yet! I think it’s really inspiring to be there and see all the people moving around and all the moving parts of a clinical care team. You get to be one small portion of that.     

“Be ready to put yourself out there. Be curious about the people around you and ask them how they're doing. Reach out to them first. You do your best when you’re actively curious about the people around you. Ask them if they need something rather than waiting for them to come to you.”

What’s one memorable experience at BMC that stands out?

One occasion happened in the summer of 2025. We had an elderly gentleman who was dropped off, and his caretaker was with him, but she wasn’t familiar with the campus at all. So they asked me for directions. He wasn’t too sure where he was supposed to be going and what he needed to get done. So I ended up tagging along. We made a bunch of stops along the way but eventually arrived at the Preston building. I think he really appreciated the time that I set aside to stay with him and make sure he got to the right place.     

It’s just nice to be able to offer that service, especially for elderly patients who often need more support. And so that’s where I really see this difference of having an actual person there to help them out as opposed to them just trying to read the signs or work through a computer or something like that.   

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is L.J. Knight, and I’m a junior at Harvard College. I’m studying chemistry and the history of science. I think both work in a very interesting way. I wanted to combine education with the history of science because I took an African American studies course about inequalities in health, and it was a very pivotal moment for me. It helped me recognize the positive impact that I could have on health systems, and I decided to combine it with history to better understand the socioeconomic aspects that affect everyday people.  

I aspire to work in genetics. My mom has sickle cell disease, which factored into my decision to pursue a career in healthcare. I also aspire to work with overlooked populations because healthcare is not easily accessible to them. I love working with patients, especially in spaces where I can have one-on-one interaction with them.

Back in my hometown, I worked at a medical nonprofit agency called Premier Mobile Services. They’re amazing. They provide free screenings, free school physicals and more. I really enjoyed my time there and volunteered at their school events, which was a formative experience. I was able to work with overlooked populations, which is something I really enjoyed, and I wanted to find a similar opportunity after moving to Boston. I asked my friends for recommendations, did some research and found BMC. I decided to visit the hospital to speak with the Volunteer Services team, which is what led me to my volunteer ambassador role. I really like the work, and everyone at BMC helps make the work valuable and meaningful. I know it has a real impact on people’s lives.

“I really love the community of volunteers that we have. We have all become like family. Boston Medical Center provides that special place. We’re all there for the patients and to make an impact in any way we can. You’re able to form deeper bonds not just with the volunteers but also with the patients. You don’t know them or their background, so being able to have a smiling face, meet patients where they’re at – and knowing that everyone’s there for the patient – is what really sticks out.”    

What’s your advice for anyone interested in getting involved with BMC?

The first thing I’d say is to be serious about joining BMC. Show up on time, make sure you’re at the correct station and treat your volunteer role like a full-time job. BMC is a great place to be, regardless of the area of healthcare you’re interested in, and a welcoming space for everyone even if you aren’t interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.  

Another volunteer I work with, Jenelle, is interested in being a pharmacist, and hearing that was eye-opening. I realized that every aspect of healthcare is important, and that BMC truly values that. So I want to encourage others—no matter what school you’re attending or field you’re interested in—to simply consider BMC if you care about making a big impact. Just do it, and don’t be afraid to do the groundwork. That’s the mission I live by. 

Hanan Akbari graduated from Boston University with a Master of Fine Arts degree in poetry, and she has been volunteering and supporting patients at Boston Medical Center (BMC) for close to a year. Multiple aspects influenced her desire to volunteer at BMC, including their commitment to enriching community outreach, fostering a welcoming environment, maintaining top-notch patient care, and being the largest safety-net hospital in Boston. Next year, she will be attending medical school, and she is looking forward to tending to her studies, learning more about medicine, exploring medical specialties, acclimating to the city, and ultimately embarking on a career as a doctor. During her undergraduate studies, Hanan completed a research project, which she credits for igniting her passion for healthcare. She had the opportunity to connect with patients on a personal level, empathize with their stories, and learn how undergoing various procedures, including brain tumor removal, made a meaningful difference in their quality of life.  

“Volunteering at BMC has taught me about the importance of giving back to the community. Volunteering has reminded me about the reasons why I want to go into medicine and how vital one-on-one interactions with patients are. I’m a shift leader on the Genetic Services floor during the week, and we play bingo and organize a social hour. The kindness and compassion shown by nurses on the floor has taught me about the importance of being resilient and adapting to meet the needs of patients. No one wants to be in the hospital for a serious condition, and every conversation I’ve had with patients and medical professionals has reinforced my desire to act with empathy, provide a listening ear, and be a source of comfort for patients during difficult times.” 

Leo Lewis is a 17-year-old student at Brookline High School and has always been interested in volunteering in a hospital setting. Last year, when he was a sophomore in high school, Leo began searching for volunteer opportunities because he is passionate about giving back to the community. He completed applications for Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center (BMC). He received a response from the Department of Volunteer Services at BMC, interviewed for a placement, and accepted a volunteer ambassador role. He started working as a volunteer ambassador in summer 2025 and will soon transition into a shift leadership position. Outside volunteering, Leo enjoys sports, works at the Brookline Country Club as a golf caddie, and used to play baseball.  

“Volunteering at MBC has taught me about the importance of giving back to the community by helping others and not expecting anything in return. I’ve become more kind and patient because of these interactions, and I love my time here. Back in the summer, I was volunteering in BMC Cancer Care, and a patient came up to me. We talked about life, golf, and the piano I was standing in front of. He asked if I could play a song and told me about how he used to play. That experience was awesome, and interacting with a patient on that level is something you don’t experience with many people. Since I’m from Brookline, having these interactions gives me a better idea of how gracious people in the Boston community can be.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Victoria, and I’m a senior majoring in biology at Boston College. I’m on the pre-med track and will be applying to medical school in summer 2026. In addition to volunteering at BMC, which I love, I also have an internship at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) working in a mind and body clinic for women with heart conditions and cancer survivors.  

In these roles, I’m able to connect my interests in mental health with some of the healthcare I’d like to pursue in the future. I’ve been involved with mental health advocacy for a while, and I’m a wellness coach at BMC. I have conversations with students, which is really fun. I talk with them about their mental health, how they’re doing, finding a community on campus, balancing stress, time management and more.  

“As a shift leader, I’m able to lead with compassion for my fellow ambassadors. I get to talk to them and learn more about them, which is really fun. Seeing the humanity in each person that walks into the building and greeting everyone with a smile are some things that I strive for, because a hospital is a place where it can be someone’s best or worst day.“

Any memorable moments during your time at BMC?

I once helped a patient who was experiencing a mental health crisis, and that was a challenging experience, but I approached the situation in the same way I have with others. I used my training and was able to connect the patient with the appropriate resources.

I think about new patients because they often struggle with the layout of the building. They're so grateful to have someone to walk and chat with. Patients will tell me about their reasoning for being at BMC and how confusing navigating the hospital can be. They really appreciate that I’m there to walk with them. It’s something that I really value. Patients will ask me about what career I want to pursue, and when they learn that I’m interested in medicine, it doesn’t come as a surprise. They’ll say, “You’re meant to do that.” Receiving a compliment like that is something I don’t take lightly. I hold it close to my heart. Patients will say, “We need more people like you.” That’s the best compliment I can get.      

Do you have any advice for someone wanting to volunteer at BMC?

It’s best to lead with compassion. As I mentioned before, it can be someone’s worst or best day at the hospital. Meet people’s needs by asking how you can best help other volunteers and guide people where they need to go. I believe these things are essential, and I want people to remember that working effectively as a team is crucial. Being able to lend a helping hand has been great for me. I’ve made meaningful connections with the public safety team and patient population.   

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Georgia Saks, and I work in biotech and volunteer at BMC. I started as an ambassador and then worked my way up to shift leader. I help with orienting new volunteers too. Currently, I’m applying to medical school, and I’m interested in the intersection of medicine and engineering. Getting involved at BMC is a great way to gain experience in these fields.  

I researched volunteer positions in the Boston area, which is how I found BMC. I live in Somerville, so I was thinking about exploring opportunities in my town, but I knew I wanted to be involved in a hospital like BMC because I’m a champion of their mission.

Outside of college and volunteering, I’m an avid runner. Boston has an excellent running community with wonderful trails. I enjoy skiing, too.

“As a volunteer ambassador, I spend a lot of time helping people find their appointments. A large percentage of patients don’t speak English as their first language. Hospital staff make sure everyone gets the resources they need even though there’s a language barrier or in circumstances where a patient doesn’t have access to necessary healthcare resources at home. I think the hospital’s community garden is a great example of how BMC helps give resources to the community, how they extend their care beyond the hospital, and make sure everyone feels welcome.”

What’s your favorite part about BMC?  

I appreciate the generosity of the hospital community at BMC. I haven’t experienced the same level of graciousness in any other organization where I’ve worked. I used to be an EMT. Since I helped transport patients, I observed interactions between patients and hospital staff. I think BMC is unique because the hospital prides itself on embracing diversity and acceptance. This holds true in how staff members interact with colleagues and patients. Staff are consistently happy to see patients around the hospital. You can see them exchanging pleasantries, and the patients feel thankful to have BMC. They always appreciate the hospital’s support and express love for BMC. I’ve attended some of the hospital’s outreach events. People approached and shared positive remarks about the hospital.  

I remember when a patient visited the hospital and went to the security desk to ask for directions to the surgery floor. A staff member told her that she was in the wrong building and that she would have to travel outside to a different building. She was existing the building in the wrong direction, so I found the security people to ask where she needed to go. I decided to walk the patient to her appointment, and she was so grateful that I showed her the way. English wasn’t her first language, so I think she was even more grateful because of that. A staff member was waiting for the patient as we arrived, and they kindly helped them along, which is an example of the endearing hospital community.       

What’s your advice for those wanting to volunteer at BMC?

Apply and reach out to the Volunteer Services team. Volunteering at BMC has been incredibly rewarding for me. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve had prior experiences in the medical field, but the community at BMC is something that you can’t find anywhere else. Be social and personable when volunteering. Have conversations and don’t be afraid to walk up to people. Everyone is friendly, and you’ll be part of a wonderful community at BM

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Jered Garrison. I’m from Alexandria, which is a small town in central Louisiana. I played soccer growing up and became serious about wanting to play in college when I was in middle school. But I had some bad luck with sports injuries throughout middle school and high school and had my first of five surgeries in sophomore year of high school. That’s what initially got me interested in medicine, specifically orthopedics. It was difficult at the time, but it’s what helped set me on the path I'm on now. I was recruited to and attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where I played soccer and studied environmental science with a concentration in public health.  

Now, I’m at Boston University in the Master’s in Medical Sciences program, and I'm in my second year in which I'm doing research as a part of a lab (BIDMC Gastroenterology, Popov Lab) to complete my thesis. I’m also working part-time as a medical scribe at BMC in the Department of Otolaryngology. I’ve been at BMC for six months, and I’ll be applying to medical school in May 2026.    

After I enrolled in the BU Master’s in Medical Sciences program, I learned about BMC, how the hospital values accessible care for everyone, and the inclusion and diversity found here. Those things stood out to me and influenced my decision to get involved.

“I think the warm greetings and conversations with patients and staff is something that can resonate with every volunteer.”  

What do you like about BMC?  

I enjoy greeting patients with a smile when they arrive and helping them navigate the hospital to their destination. I look forward to transferring into a new role to help a different department at BMC in spring 2026.    

What’s your advice for people wanting to volunteer at BMC?

Don’t be shy. Greet patients and their families with a smile and ask if they need help finding where they need to be. It can help ease anxiety, especially for those who feel overwhelmed about their visit.  

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Emmanuel Aguirre Gutierrez. I’m a 19-year-old student at Boston University and a shift leader at BMC. I’m pursuing a neuroscience degree, and I’m enrolled in a pre-med program in college. Ultimately, I aspire to work in the healthcare field, so I’m planning to attend medical school and then residency, and I’m very excited about that.     

I appreciate the work that the Volunteer Services team does to facilitate the volunteer program behind the scenes. BMC is a very welcoming environment, and the Volunteer Services team truly values that. They’re kind, supportive and care about how I’m doing. I have the opportunity to debrief with the team after each shift and share about my experiences, whether good or bad. And it’s just great. It feels like everybody knows everybody because I see familiar faces, but there’s always someone new to meet each day.  

How’d you become involved with BMC?       

I got connected to BMC through a shadowing opportunity at the hospital. I was working alongside a doctor in the child psychology department, and she encouraged me to consider volunteering opportunities as a way to prepare for medical school. I thought the doctor’s suggestion was intriguing, so I asked about organizations looking for volunteers. She mentioned the volunteer program at BMC and told me where I could apply. I decided to give it a shot. I applied in October 2024 and then started as a volunteer ambassador.  

The shadowing opportunity was very interesting because I learned so much from the doctor. She showed me what a typical day in her job looks like and taught me about the importance of approaching every patient situation differently. Working with this doctor solidified my aspiration to pursue a career in medicine. I want to help people in tangible ways, and I think I can best accomplish that by working in a hospital.  

“Volunteering at BMC has helped me see the social side of medicine, specifically how to interact with patients with different medical complexities. I took a Psychology 101 course where I learned that it’s crucial to acknowledge the person behind the disease. Treat patients with kindness and cordiality.”

What’s your favorite part about volunteering at BMC?

My favorite part about being a volunteer ambassador is having the chance to help patients in my role. I enjoy walking alongside patients and helping them navigate the building. You can strike up a conversation and get to know them better. You’re forming a connection with someone you probably wouldn’t have without volunteering, and I find that really nice.  

Outside of volunteering and college, I enjoy art, music, reading and drawing. I love how my interests provide a good balance from my studies. Drawing offers another outlet to connect with patients. Someone could see it, make a comment, have the same passion for it, and a connection is made.  

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Sophia Karpouzas, and I volunteer as a shift leader at BMC. In this role, I greet patients as they enter the hospital and guide them to where they need to go. Some don’t speak English, so I translate for patients. I think this is where I shine because I’m able to communicate with patients so they can get the information they’re looking for – effectively and efficiently. I’ve translated in Spanish and other languages. It’s nice to be a small part of patients’ journeys at BMC. They’ll ask me if I can stay with them or assist with other tasks, such as setting up cards or making sure a bouquet of flowers is delivered to the right department. It’s so wholesome, and I value the interactions I’m able to have with patients and families.

I chose to volunteer at BMC because it’s a safety net hospital, so you see patients that require the most care. You see level one trauma patients. You see the most, and you get to meet patients from different cultural backgrounds, so I aspire to work in a safety net hospital when I’m older.         

“My favorite part about BMC Is how many people come from all over. You’re never speaking one language. You have to change who you are to match the energy level of the patient. Does the patient come in crying? Is the patient excited because they’re about to have a child? You have to make sure you’re empathizing with what they’re going through.”    

What do you enjoy most about BMC?

One memory that resonates was meeting a Marine and his son. They both had cancer, and the son was acutely dying. I could tell that the dad was trying to stay strong because of his military background, but he was clearly distraught and broke down in tears. I cried, too. And I hugged the dad and held him up.  

I reflected on this experience for some time because I recall that my arms were sore the next day from holding the dad. It was a very touching and sad moment. The dad kept saying that a father should never have to see his son die, and he told me about his own cancer diagnosis. That was the most memorable moment I’ve had throughout my time at BMC. It taught me about the fragility of life and that offering emotional support – something as simple as a hug – can make a huge impact. I felt that I couldn’t do much to make the situation better, but I’m glad I was able to provide comfort during an immensely difficult time. I spent about two hours with the father and son – listening, consoling and being there.  

What’s your advice for those interested in volunteering at BMC?

The best piece of advice that I can give is to learn Spanish phrases. It doesn’t matter how much Spanish you learn – any amount makes a big difference. I grew up in Los Angeles, where Spanish is essential to know. You don’t have to speak conversational Spanish, but knowing the Spanish word for elevator or Spanish words for different directions makes a big difference. Speaking to patients in their native language can strengthen relationships. When someone takes the time to learn Spanish – or another language – they care about making sure a patient feels welcomed, and it’s very hospitable. You care enough to make sure a patient is taken care of. Think about how a patient may feel if their native language isn’t the primary one in a hospital they’re visiting.

Milton resident Nancy Grant is a former educator and reading specialist who has taught elementary school, high school, and graduate school in and outside Boston. In addition, she spent a year teaching English at the college level in Ethiopia. Nancy’s connection to Boston Medical Center (BMC) started through a friend who works as a chaplain at the hospital. She has also served as a volunteer ambassador and now helps coordinate the book cart.  

“I volunteered in the training kitchen for one day and held a baby while her mom and dad learned how to cook. It was an easy job, but what resonated the most was watching several six or seven families that came together. If they had smaller kids, they brought them in, and there were several babies and toddlers. Their parents learned to prepare food in a shelter environment since that’s where they were living. They learned how to use Instant Pots and make healthy, cultural Haitian food. It was a very moving experience, and I thought, ‘If only this was the way you could run the world.’ These people came in together as strangers, cooked together, and left together as friends. And it was beautiful.” 

San Diego native Tony Delgado Jr. is currently a volunteer ambassador at Boston Medical Center (BMC) and a radiologist at Emerson Hospital in Concord. Family is very important to Tony, and he remains close to his loved ones today. He says his family upbringing and values instilled in him from a young age shaped the person he is today. Growing up, he watched his grandparents visit the hospital for dialysis treatments, where he learned the true meaning of empathy. In addition, he fell in love with sports as a kid and played baseball, basketball, soccer, and more. Today, he closely follows the Boston Celtics, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Chargers. Tony is passionate about pursuing a career in medicine and is looking forward to embarking on his next chapter. 

“When I started volunteering at BMC, someone told me to treat patients like family, and it helps me speak to them in a richer, more meaningful way. I’m able to connect with patients on a personal level, and I encourage volunteers and medical professionals to treat patients like family because conversations will resonate deeply and make you feel more fulfilled. You’ll get more out of the experience, and patients will really enjoy talking with you. Being an excellent caregiver, extending empathy, and being personable are important personality traits to have as a volunteer. But I’d also encourage people who are shy or uncomfortable in social situations to apply for volunteer roles to enhance their people skills and increase their confidence in social situations. You must be willing to give your time to complete strangers, and that’s what volunteering at BMC is all about.”