Michael Huynh saw a chance to combine his language skills with his desire to help others when he learned about the opportunity to be a volunteer language interpreter at his community hospital. As part of our enhanced language services, Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) has developed a Volunteer Language Services program where multilingual volunteers can provide non-clinical language interpretation for patients and visitors. Michael, who speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin, recognized that his language skills could help patients feel more comfortable when they were at the hospital.
Michael volunteers in the busy Fracture Clinic. He works at the reception desk and makes it his goal to ensure everyone’s visit is pleasant and memorable. He is able to provide immediate, in person interpretation for Mandarin and Cantonese speakers to help them understand the process and book follow-up appointments.
“It feels good to provide assistance to patients to make their hospital visits more pleasant and less-stressful,” says Michael.
Michael is proud to be of service and has enjoyed learning from his volunteer mentor Margaret and the incredible team of physicians, nurses, technicians and staff in the Fracture Clinic. The team works so well together, they often coordinate follow-up appointments on days that Michael is working so he can continue to provide his language skills and maintain the relationship he has formed with the patients.
When asked why he chose to volunteer at MSH, Michael shared “I live in the neighbourhood and always liked the look of the building, the friendly staff and care team and the service it is providing to the Markham Stouffville vicinity.”
Michael is just one of the amazing volunteers that give their time and skills to MSH. April 18-24 is National Volunteer Week. Thank you, to Michael and all of our beloved volunteers who work alongside staff and physicians and help provide an extraordinary experience for our patients.