Junior Summer Volunteer Program and Volunteerism at Boston Medical Center

Boston Medical Center is committed to empowering all patients to thrive, through our innovative and equitable care. In addition to this commitment, our leadership in health equity, research, and teaching is driving the future of care. To support this mission, Boston Medical Center is pleased to once again offer a Junior Summer Volunteer Program (JSVP) for rising juniors and seniors in high school!

The Junior Summer Volunteer Program (JSVP) Overview

This program will allow students to gain valuable knowledge and insight into the patient’s care experience at BMC through interactive engagement and consultation with the hospital and clinical professionals. Eligible participants of this program must be entering their junior or senior year of high school and able to commit to the full 8 weeks of the program. Strong applicants for the program will be reliable, committed, and eager to learn about the hospital and healthcare setting. Regarding the application process, all program communications must take place with the applicant/participant themselves; our office will not communicate individual application or program progress with family members or educators.

JSVP Program Details

The Volunteer Experience: Real-World Impact

The volunteer experience at BMC is unique, as Sam-Keny Saint Pre, a volunteer from Boston, MA, explains. At BMC, I volunteer as an ambassador in the PACU and as patient support on the Medical Oncology floor. As an ambassador, I assist patients in navigating the hospital, particularly those who do not speak English and may need additional support. On the medical oncology floor, I visit patients’ rooms, offering support and companionship to individuals undergoing treatment.

One of my most memorable experiences has been meeting a gentleman on the medical oncology floor with whom I played cards weekly during my shifts. He shared how his days were often exhausting, filled with medical interventions, and how much he looked forward to just sitting down to play cards and chat about life outside of his illness. It was a simple activity, but it brought him much joy, which meant a lot to me. I didn’t anticipate having this kind of impact as a volunteer, but BMC has made it possible for me.

A Culture of Support and Warmth

From my very first day, I was struck by the warmth and support of the staff. When I started in the PACU, the nurse manager gave us a tour and explained how each part of the unit contributes to providing excellent patient care. That welcoming attitude wasn’t just a first-day experience—it’s something I’ve encountered in every interaction since. Furthermore, I’ve noticed how this culture of support extends to the patients. Many have shared how well they are treated from the moment they walk through the doors.

Clinical Excellence and Specialized Departments

BMC physicians are leaders in their fields with the most advanced medical technology at their fingertips and working alongside a highly skilled nursing and professional staff. We offer diagnosis and treatment in over 70 specialties and subspecialties. Key departments and popular searches include:

• Adult Primary Care
• Cancer Center
• Emergency Medicine
• Neurology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Primary Care
• Psychiatry
• Radiology

Research efforts are imperative in allowing us to provide our patients with quality care. Whether you’re a BMCHS employee or looking to refer a patient, we have tools and resources to help you care for patients effectively and efficiently. For those considering joining, it’s so worth it! There’s so much to learn from the people you interact with, whether it’s patients, staff, or fellow volunteers. BMC is a unique place where people from all backgrounds come together, and you gain a perspective you wouldn’t get anywhere else.