Volunteering at Penn Medicine

When you volunteer at Penn Medicine, you give your time and talents to support patients, their families, and the people who care for them.

Lancaster General Hospital volunteer, Karen Voystick, delivers flowers to patient

Volunteer opportunities for all ages

Penn Medicine welcomes volunteers of all ages, from teens to seniors, in a range of clinical and non-clinical roles throughout our health system.

Every volunteer plays an important part in enhancing patient and visitor experiences while providing valuable support to our dedicated staff.

Benefits of volunteering at Penn Medicine

Volunteering at Penn Medicine comes with a variety of benefits that make the experience both rewarding and enjoyable.

Depending on the location where you are volunteering, you may receive:

  • free parking or valet parking
  • flexible scheduling options
  • complimentary meal passes
  • hospital picnics, holiday meals, and other volunteer recognition events

Beyond these perks, you can expect:

  • a meaningful and enriching experience
  • a chance to meet new people and make friends
  • an opportunity to use your time, skills, and personal strengths to help others
  • time to explore an interest in the medical field
  • opportunities to build professional relationships or recommendation letters to support future career goals 

What we do not provide

While volunteering at Penn Medicine is a great way to give back and gain experience, we do not provide:

  • job shadowing
  • reimbursement for any costs related to the volunteer application process
  • externships for programs like those for medical office assistants, billing, phlebotomy, coding, or other clinical or business training programs

Have questions? View answers to common questions about volunteering at Penn Medicine. 

Volunteer programs

You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in your community by choosing a location near you.

What makes a good volunteer

At Penn Medicine, great volunteers are friendly, dependable, and eager to help. You don’t need medical experience, just a positive attitude and a commitment to making a difference.

Key qualities of good volunteers include:

  • a sincere desire to help others
  • a friendly and professional attitude
  • willingness to follow hospital guidelines
  • commitment to a regular schedule