By Julie Wood
Volunteer Timothy Breiner
PAH’s volunteer programs are open to all individuals with a passion for service. While the volunteers comfort and support patients, one of PAH’s volunteer programs serves as an educational mentorship opportunity for high school students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
Pre-Health Pals, a student-driven initiative, was launched by volunteer Timothy Breiner, a pre-med senior at Temple University. He initially launched Pre-Health Pals as a volunteer at Temple University Hospital in 2020, transitioning to PAH in September 2021 to learn about clinical care in a different hospital setting. At PAH, he coordinates the program with several other undergraduate students from Philadelphia universities, with guidance from Olivia Hennelly, coordinator for Volunteer Services, and Cassandra A. Cisneros, MHA, CPXP, director of Patient Experience.
The idea was inspired by Breiner’s time in high school. He knew he loved science and the medical field, but he wasn’t sure of the right steps he needed to take to pursue a profession in that industry. “I didn’t have a clear direction of preparation for becoming a pre-med student,” said Breiner. “This mentorship program connects secondary school students to someone who was just in their position a few years ago and knows the expectations for college nowadays.”
Through Pre-Health Pals, Breiner and his team coordinate virtual meetings with local high schools, either during class periods or after-school sessions, to discuss the college application process, what to expect as a STEM major, and the types of activities to join to gain skills for their career path. The team promotes volunteer opportunities at PAH, such as the Junior Volunteer Program for ages 14 to 17, for those interested in medicine.
While nearly all of the lectures have been held virtually due to time, travel restrictions, and evolving COVID-19 safety protocols, Breiner was able to hold one in-person session at his alma mater in Bucks County. He was joined by his Pre-Health Pals team on Zoom in the classroom. “The students thanked our team for holding the presentation and surrounded me with a bunch of questions,” said Breiner. “They were excited about school and STEM and they were grateful to have people there to support them this way. It was a testament to how impactful this program can be.”
This summer, Breiner and his team will continue correspondence with the three high schools they’re partnered with, in addition to reaching out to other local schools, to schedule future sessions. They also hope to add guest speakers to their presentations, such as physicians and nurses, to provide further insight into the health care industry.
Learn more about PAH’s volunteer programs.