People of KHSC: Benjamin Ma

Think back to when you turned 18-years-old. How did you celebrate?

Did you buy a lottery ticket, get a tattoo, or cast your first ballot in an election?

Benjamin Ma marked the milestone birthday in October 2020, with a first of his own.

He applied for an access control screener position with Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).

“I interviewed for the job the week I turned 18. I just knew I needed to help out during the COVID-19 pandemic. My inspiration was the need to help people when I felt helpless myself.”

He got the gig and was assigned to work at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre at the Beechgrove Complex.

Little did he know he was about to embark on an adventure that would last more than two years and open a whole new world to him.

“My job is listening to people and their stories, overseeing the flow of the clinic, and helping out wherever else is needed. 

“The beginning of the pandemic was crazy, I worked with so many diverse teams. Staff were cycling around and I was very impressed with how fast people were able to adapt to various roles and situations. Everything was changing at a moment’s notice and their ability to adapt inspired me to learn how to do the same.”

The centre may be closing, but the friendships Ma has built and his journey with KHSC are just beginning.

“I’m proud to be part of the ‘Swab Squad’. I learned more about myself and I met an incredible amount of people that I’m proud to call my friends, if they let me,” he chuckles. 

“The work experience opened my eyes to the world of health care. I hope to continue on with KHSC. I’m built to help people. Providing patient care is what inspired me and kept me going throughout this entire pandemic.

“I want to extend my gratitude to all the teams I worked with. Thank you for taking a chance on this theatre kid, helping him feel welcome and encouraging him to do what he’s passionate about.”

And to think, Ma’s journey into health care all started on his 18th birthday.