Volunteer Spotlight: Nakisa Saffarian Toussi

Nakisa Saffarian Toussi

From an early age, Nakisa knew that some day she would apply to medical school. When considering her educational path, she also knew that volunteering in a health care setting would be beneficial for her medical school application – she hadn’t really thought about the impact her volunteering would have on the patients.

However, after being admitted to NYGH and having emergency surgery, it became very clear to Nakisa the difference she could make! Joining our Volunteer Program in 2018, Nakisa requested to be placed with the Day Surgery and Endoscopy team. “Having been a patient myself, I could understand the many emotions you have such as worry and fear. I know how helpful it was for me to have someone to listen and provide comfort – and that is what I try to do during my volunteer shifts.” Nakisa also appreciated the team dynamic on the unit, both staff and volunteers are vested in enhancing the patient journey.

As Nakisa is pursuing a double degree in Life Sciences and Genetics from the University of Toronto, she was thrilled to accept a new volunteer assignment in the Clinical Genetics department. In this role, Nakisa assists with making patient packages and various administrative duties. Her placement provides the opportunity to work along side an inter-disciplinary team of professionals and learn more about the field of practice she wants to pursue. “I am learning so much, and it is helping me define my career goals. I will be applying to medical school next year and hope to practice in the field of genetics. Maybe some day, I will work at NYGH,” says Nakisa.

Nakisa has been volunteering for four years, and she really likes the culture at NYGH. She says, “When you come here, leave your problems behind and just enjoy the interaction with patients and staff.”

Nakisa, thank you for ensuring that people come first in everything you do!