Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) is now accepting applications from high school, post-secondary and graduate students interested in volunteering, offering opportunities to gain hands-on experience while supporting patient care.
The volunteer program is seeking students who can make a year-round commitment. The intake process can take approximately one to two months, and applications will be reviewed based on the needs of the hospital, availability and fit.
“Our volunteer roles are vital to the care experience we provide, and we’re looking for students who can commit to consistent, ongoing involvement. We encourage anyone with an interest in making a difference to apply and be part of the compassionate care we deliver every day,” Indira Naraine, Vice President, People, Mission & Values and Chief Human Resources Officer.
For current volunteers, the experience offers both personal and professional growth.
“For some time now, I have aspired to become a medical doctor,” said Samantha Perez-Antuna, a high school student volunteer. “I took that as an opportunity to expand my horizons and plunge into volunteering at the hospital.”
Perez-Antuna, who volunteers to visit patients in the hospital, said meaningful connections have shaped her experience.
“I spent time with an elderly patient, talked for a while with him, and even played 1975 music trivia with him,” she said. “It was a very fun experience, and I remember it fondly.”
Bryant Han, an undergraduate student at Queen's University, said volunteering has helped him better understand the impact of service.
“In addition to gaining exposure to healthcare, I also applied to deepen my understanding of service to others,” he said.
Han, who has volunteered more than 200 hours since July 2024 in roles including recreational programming and delirium prevention, said consistency is key to the role.
“I think building an internal motivation and appreciation for the role and for volunteering has helped me remain consistent, regardless of my circumstances,” he said. “Volunteering has been extremely meaningful and educational - I truly feel it has been worth my time.”
Applications are currently open, and students who are not contacted within four months are encouraged to reapply if they remain interested.
