Beijing United Family Hospital & Clinics (BJU) is pleased to offer volunteering opportunities to
persons wishing to serve the community and experience working in a hospital. This program greatly benefits patients and volunteers alike. Below, a BJU volunteer shares typical tasks and experiences with us.
As a long-time volunteer in my home country, I've always
been passionate about helping others. While I’ve enjoyed my time in China, I
often felt like something was missing. Volunteering at Beijing United
Family Hospital has given me a renewed sense of purpose, filling a gap and
making me feel more connected with the community. My role here goes beyond
translation; it’s about making Arabic-speaking patients feel truly understood
and supported. Witnessing the relief and comfort on patients' faces when they
can fully express their concerns in their native language reaffirms the vital
importance of the supporting role in their healing journey.
Picture source: Bigstock
I have volunteered for a few months at the International Patient Advocacy Center (IPAC) at BJU. My days at the hospital generally start at 8:45 am. I arrive, sign in, and review the day’s work ahead with the team. A significant number of foreign patients need assistance with translation and interpretation. I speak Chinese, English, and Arabic. Frequently, my first task is to accompany a patient during their appointment to facilitate communication with their clinician.
BJU has four hospitals and several clinics across Beijing, with over 25 different Centers of Excellence, departments, and specialist clinics, so I encounter not only patients of all ages and nationalities who come from all walks of life but also a wide range of medical conditions. With the obvious exception of the three Emergency Rooms, which
are open 24/7, the hospitals and clinics operate on an appointment basis. This has the advantage that patients can be seen closer to their homes, schools, or workplaces and do not need to wait to be seen by a doctor or specialist, and I can often prepare in advance to support any patients I am invited to serve.
Picture source: Bigstock
One of the most touching aspects of this experience is visiting inpatients and giving them “Get Well” dossiers. The unexpected cheer and comfort they feel, knowing they are not alone in a foreign country, is truly heartwarming. I visit not only Arabic-speaking patients but also foreign patients in general. The provision of emotional support to inpatients and their families is also a task that I have had the opportunity to participate in. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people from all over the world. When a patient or their family member thanks me for helping them communicate with their clinician, I feel an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. Being part of their recovery journey and easing their fears - even in a small way - has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
The hospital is committed to providing excellent medical care in an environment that respects patients’ cultural differences. As a volunteer, I
have had the opportunity to share a presentation with clinicians about
understanding the specific needs of Arab patients. It made me feel proud to be part of a team
that truly cares about their well-being on every level.
Picture source: Bigstock
I usually finish work at 5 pm, although members of the
team and myself are available for emergencies 24/7. Sometimes, I’m on my feet for a good part of the day, and on some days, less. Those are days when I perform administrative tasks such as preparing reports, reviewing patient feedback from surveys, or accompanying an IPAC member on a visit to a corporate headquarters or an Embassy to discuss medical education programs for their staff. My varied administrative tasks also include coordinating a patient’s travel to or from the hospital, airport or accommodation, arranging a special food delivery from a restaurant specializing in a patient’s preferred cuisine, or publishing an Arabic article on the hospital’s WeChat account. What has been constant in my time as a volunteer at BJU is that every day, it is heartening to have the opportunity to assist someone and witness the comforting effects of that help immediately.
If you are 18 years or older and would like to volunteer or shadow a doctor, please scan the QR code below and send your CV.
