Johanna: From Patient to Volunteer at Shady Grove Medical Center
Each year, Shady Grove Medical Center presents scholarships to graduating high school students who have demonstrated compassion, dedication and commitment to our volunteer program. The scholarships are funded by donations and go towards the students’ education, in pursuit of healthcare careers.
We’re celebrating one of our 2025 winners, Johanna. Her relationship with Shady Grove Medical Center began far before volunteering: she was born at the hospital. Following her birth, Johanna and her family moved to Korea. “Returning to the U.S. felt unfamiliar at first, but this hospital quickly became a home to me,” Johanna said.
While a high school student, Johanna spent the time outside of her rigorous courseload volunteering at Shady Grove Medical Center. She began her journey as a hospital ambassador, trained under long-time volunteer Karen Westreich. Johanna enjoyed helping patients and visitors, answering questions and providing support to our team members. Her drive for helping others and her interest in patient experience grew when she became a volunteer intern in the hospital’s Transport Department.
While interning, Johanna took patients to tests and joined them on their rides to discharge. In a speech accepting her scholarship, Johanna reflected on her volunteer experience. “Volunteering here gave me a sense of belonging and purpose. Through my time here, I’ve not only learned about healthcare, but I’ve grown as a person – gaining compassion, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for serving others.”
In total, Johanna spent 422 hours volunteering at Shady Grove Medical Center. Her next journey is studying chemistry on the dentistry track at the University of Pittsburgh. She describes dentistry as a field of kindness, healing, and transformation. As she talks, her empathy and understanding come across, making it clear that her future — and those of the patients she might someday help — is in good hands.
If you or someone you know is interested in our volunteer program, sign up to learn more.
