Sai Vissapragada, 17, has volunteered in the short-stay unit, the kitchen, and the emergency department at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital. "I like the team here. They are all very nice and help me out. It has been really great." Sai is planning to go to medical school after graduating from Downingtown East High School and is interested in gastroenterology and cardiology.

You can find two of our student volunteers at WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital.

Meet Liam

A senior at Greencastle Area Senior High School, Liam Fulton spends two days a week volunteering in WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital Food Services. While helping to serve meals to WellSpan team members or clean dishes, his volunteer work allows Liam the opportunity to interact with different individuals. 

“When I decided I wanted to volunteer at WellSpan, it was important to me to have the opportunity to meet new people,” says Liam. “I’m not always the best at making eye contact and greeting someone I just met, and this experience has really helped me become more confident.”

His desire to volunteer at the hospital is also related to his interest in entering the medical field after he graduates. His goal is to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a dentist. 

“My dad has his own practice and after I shadowed him for school, it became very clear to me that this is the career I want to pursue,” Liam explains. “Both of my parents went to Brigham Young University in Utah, so I’m aiming to do the same for medical school.”

His favorite part of volunteering? Meeting new people, including Debbie Smith, a food service worker at WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital. He appreciates how friendly and helpful the team has been, allowing him to become more comfortable with each shift. 

“Liam has been doing such great work,” says Debbie. “He’s polite and always jumps in to do things that need done without being asked.  It’s been a joy having him here to help us.”

Meet Mary

Mary Schlotterbeck is a recent graduate from Waynesboro Area Senior High School, who is spending her free time this summer volunteering in Patient Access at WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital. While she enjoys meeting new people and assisting patients, Mary is also excited for the opportunity to continue growing her knowledge and familiarity of the medical field as she trains to become an EMT. 

Last November, Mary began completing ride-alongs with the Waynesboro Ambulance Squad, which has driven her desire to work in a fast-paced environment. “I’m an adrenaline junkie and work better in stressful situations,” says Mary. “When I go on ride-alongs, I really appreciate how you’re forced to think on your feet.”

After completing her EMT classes and receiving her certification, Mary plans to apply for an EMT position as she starts classes in the fall at Hood College in Frederick, MD. With her school right next to a hospital, she will easily be able to gain more experience as an EMT as she takes her classes. Her goal is to become a trauma surgeon.

The exposure to the healthcare environment is not only helping Mary to prepare her for her dream job, but is also improving her social skills and how she engages with others. “I used to be awkward and avoided conversation, and volunteering has helped improve my confidence,” she says. “I have really enjoyed the opportunity to help patients, whether it’s walking them through the sign-in process at our kiosks or walking them to their appointment in the hospital.”

Her favorite part of volunteering? Connecting with WellSpan team members and interacting with patients and their kids. “I really enjoy meeting all patients, especially the kids, who are always fun to talk to,” says Mary. “There are individuals who are entering the hospital, some clearly in pain, but it’s admirable how they’re willing to work through that pain during the check in process and remain so kind as we get them where they need to go.”

She recognizes the significance of starting off a patient’s experience on a friendly and positive note. “We’re the first people a patient sees as they enter the hospital,” Mary says. “The first greeting will impact their entire journey so it’s important to start off their experience at WellSpan on a friendly, positive note.”

Mary encourages everyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare to volunteer at a hospital to gain exposure and prepare themselves for working in the unique environment.

“Watching medical shows on TV won’t cut it,” she says. “Volunteer and gain that first-hand experience. It’s very special and worth every minute of your time. WellSpan has been such a great place to volunteer and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.” 

Are you interested in helping at one of our hospitals? Make a difference and become our next volunteer by visiting wellspan.org/About-WellSpan/Volunteer.