Discover the world through volunteering at the MUHC

Between her classes, work and personal life, bubbly Delia Munteanu has also been volunteering a few hours a week at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) for over a year now. By volunteering at our hospital, this student in pure and applied sciences has discovered much more than just a healthcare centre.

With her great interest in the Health Sciences, Delia says that volunteering at a hospital is an excellent way to discover the environment and immerse herself in its dynamics. “There's a much warmer atmosphere than I expected. The hospital can seem like a cold, serious place, but on the contrary, the MUHC employees are very friendly and welcoming!”

She also says it allows her to connect with the diversity of people and learn more about the different careers available. “It's a place where you meet so many different people, it's really enriching.”

Using all your skills

Delia took part in STEP (Student Training and Education Program), a program specially designed for students interested in a career in the healthcare field. The 30-hour program runs from July to August. Volunteer hours are combined with seminars offered by healthcare professionals to help students discover the different career options available.

Delia explored various volunteer programs, such as the orientation service, the comfort cart and helping out at the test centre. Each of these experiences helped her discover her skills and build her confidence. “I've been in situations where I've had to manage on my own. For example, I had to use several resources to help allophone patients. I got out of my comfort zone and went looking for patients to help me with translation,” she says. “Volunteering has given me self-confidence. I feel I belong and I'm able to take the first step towards people, something I wouldn't have done before.”

Witnessing beautiful moments

As a volunteer, Delia also witnesses the good moments as well as the bad. “I remember one man who arrived with his arms full of flowers. So many that he couldn't pick them all up; they fell over every time he tried to pick them up. I went to help him. I then learned that this man was going to visit his wife, who had been hospitalized for a very long time and had just been discharged. I helped him carry the flowers to his room, where the whole family was gathered. It was truly a touching moment.”

Delia strongly encourages anyone interested in volunteering to give it a go. “Give it a try and you'll see what it can do for you,” she exclaims enthusiastically. “As for me, I love walking around the hospital; it makes me dream when I think about my future that, maybe, I could continue to be in this environment for my career."

From heart to action: become a volunteer at the McGill University Health Centre! https://muhc.ca/volunteering