"In the summer between my second and third year of medical school, I volunteered with a group called "Rori's Kids." Their aim is to provide companionship to children who are stuck in the hospital for long periods of time. Although it's a small organization, it impacts a significant number of kids. I never imagined that the few months I spent volunteering there would contribute to my medical training, but I happened to be paired up with a young boy suffering from leukemia. I saw him three times a week, and we did things like play checkers, watch cartoons, and draw. Even though his condition was serious and his prognosis was undetermined, he was always cheerful and excited to see me. One day I was fortunate enough to meet his parents, and we spent an hour talking and getting to know each other. The experience really drove home the point that patients, and their families, are individuals with unique needs. I'm excited to develop relationships with my patients' families as a NICU fellow."
