For Justin Skinner, volunteering at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) started as a way to connect with the Kingston community outside of university life. Two years later, his experience has helped shape his future career in medicine and deepened his understanding of compassion and human connection in health care.
Originally from Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Skinner moved to Kingston in 2022 to attend Queen’s University. This spring, he graduates with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Life Sciences with a minor in Music.
After finding his footing in his academic and extracurricular activities, he wanted to become involved beyond the university environment.
“When I first heard about the volunteer program at KHSC, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to connect with the Kingston community while gaining exposure to a health-care environment,” said Skinner. “Needless to say, I was right.”
Some of Skinner’s most meaningful experiences at KHSC have come through music.
Using his piano, guitar and voice, he has performed for patients on the inpatient Transitional Care Unit on Davies 5. He has also participated in Operation HO HO HO for the last two years, joining Santa Claus to perform holiday songs for patients and families on KHSC’s pediatric units.
For Skinner, those moments demonstrated the unique impact volunteers can have on patient experiences.
“Witnessing the excitement and joy that music brought to patients, families and staff was incredibly rewarding,” he said. “Those moments showed me how something as simple as human connection can brighten someone’s day and create a sense of comfort within the hospital.”
His volunteer experience also changed the way he viewed health care and influenced his decision to pursue a career in medicine.
While he had always appreciated the scientific and academic aspects of health care, volunteering allowed him to experience its human side firsthand.
“Some of the most meaningful experiences stemmed from music and conversation, where I was able to connect with patients on a personal level,” said Skinner. “Health care goes far beyond treating illness. It is also about the connections you establish with the people you meet.”
Now preparing to begin the next chapter of his journey, Skinner says the lessons gained through volunteering will stay with him for the long-term.
“One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of compassion and communication,” he said. “Listening carefully and simply being a positive presence can have a significant impact on patient experiences.”
For current and prospective volunteers, especially those considering a career in health care, his advice is simple.
“Embrace the small moments and interactions that come with volunteering,” he said. “Often, it is the brief conversations and simple acts of kindness that leave the greatest impact on both patients and volunteers. Volunteering is an incredible opportunity to learn about medicine, resilience and the importance of human connection.”
And, he adds, its impact extends beyond those receiving care.
“When you volunteer, you change people’s lives, including your own.”
