Pre-Health Advisor Carmen Gamlin interviewed Nichole Joos, Manager of Volunteer Services at Henry Ford Cancer Institute about patient-facing volunteer opportunities for pre-health Titans. The interview covered services provided by the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, specific positions in which they are recruiting volunteers for and how those who are interested could sign up.
1. Would you please share what Henry Ford Cancer Institute is and what services are performed for community members?
Henry Ford Cancer Institute is one of the largest cancer institutions in Michigan.We treat nearly 10,000 new cancer patients each year.
We offer a variety of services. From diagnosis through survivorship including medical oncology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cancer surgery, and then also some oncology services, such as financial counseling, social work, etc.
2. What services would an undergraduate student volunteer provide at the Henry Ford Cancer Institute?
Nichole provided brief descriptions of the volunteer opportunities available at the Henry Ford Cancer Institute.
- Patient Experience Volunteer-Attends the Lobby and escort patients to appointment locations
- Patient Resource Volunteer-Attends the Resource Center and inform patients about oncology services that are offered
- Chemotherapy and Infusion Center Volunteer-Complete rounds on patients who are receiving treatment.
- Inpatient Oncology Unit Volunteer-Complete rounds on patients rooms who have been admitted into Henry Ford Hospital
We have a lot of different volunteer roles and each of them are very patient facing. So they offer a lot of opportunity for volunteers to interact with patients and get that experience talking one on one with a patient but also working directly with clinic staff, hospital staff as well.
3. So how would someone sign up to be a volunteer?
The easiest way to sign up is to visit henryford.com/hfcivolunteer and complete a volunteer interest form. You can also contact us at HFCI volunteer at hfhs.org or (313) 556-8738 and then once you’ve contacted us, we will walk you through the enrollment process…