My Experience As A Volunteer Experience

During my first days as a volunteer at Jackson Memorial Hospital, I was overcome with excitement that may better be described as nerves. Jackson, as it is commonly shortened by the Miami residents, is the number one trauma hospital in Miami, and possibly even South Florida. However, it may appear to be frightening to many because it receives any and all medical cases and being a public hospital, it is frequented by prisoners, which, personally, is what I believe frightens others. Although I was warned of the challenges I might face, I was intrigued to further look into my ever so long interest in the field of medicine.

Back to my first day, I knew that as a volunteer I would be helping others in the hospital, but was unaware of how much my life would change. I entered volunteer services in my candy striper uniform and prepared myself to enter the Pediatric Emergency Room. This was my first assignment as a volunteer and the first time I realized pediatrics was the field I hoped to further study. As a volunteer, I prepped patients’ rooms and helped patients with their paperwork. Working with children directly, I was fascinated by the unique way they expressed their aches and pains. I was intrigued by the way children described their pains, in words and hand gestures, and how the doctors had to unscramble the puzzle to find a cure.

During that

I sat in my Abnormal Psychology class amongst forty other students and watched a video about the stigma of mental illness. Watching this, I was reminded of the stigma associated with that patient. It enforced the importance of treating patients as people first. Putting aside their state of mind in regards to mental illness, their state of residence even if a jail cell, and working to be the best doctor possible - to provide the best medical care, while also serving as a caring and compassionate