Volunteer Spotlight: Miaosen Zhou

Miaosen Zhou

In 2020, when exploring where to give his gift of time, Miaosen was impressed to learn that NYGH is one of Canada’s leading community academic hospitals and offers a wide range of acute care, ambulatory, and long-term care services across multiple sites.

Miaosen had received his Construction Management degree from George Brown College, and he was attending Ryerson University pursuing a second degree in computer engineering. He knew he wanted to be part of an organization that supported the community’s diverse residents and where he could learn about potential career paths. After carefully reflecting on his research, he felt NYGH’s Volunteer Program would be a fit for him.

Miaosen’s first volunteer assignment was with the Medical Imaging Radiology department. In this role, Miaosen assisted with patient flow before and after appointments, ensured supplies were stocked, and assisted with collating various paperwork.

When school conflicted with his volunteer assignment, Miaosen accepted a new volunteer placement and joined the Day Surgery and Endoscopy team. Volunteers on this unit help to ensure supplies are well stocked, and escort patients post-procedure to meet their ride at the west entrance. Miaosen shares, “I really enjoy my volunteer experience at NYGH. I have learned a lot from the team attendants and the nurses.”

When asked why he has chosen to continue to balance his volunteer commitment while being a fulltime student, Miaosen said, “As a volunteer, I am not only providing a service I am also developing essential skills – my people skills, my communication skills, and my time management skills. By constantly communicating with patients, families and staff, I have gained confidence in my communication skills – it is a win-win situation. When a patient thanks me for helping them, I feel very rewarded!”

Miaosen’s dedication to his role has been outstanding and his attendance is paramount. “I am the kind of person that once I decide to do something, I give it my all and I strive to do it to my best of my abilities. Volunteering at NYGH is something that I take very seriously,” says Miaosen.

Miaosen, thank you for ensuring that people come first in everything you do!