A Med Student’s Journey: Serving Beyond the Hospital Walls
A young medical school student stands in the Family House kitchen, talking with other volunteers and serving dinner to guests. He listens with compassion to guests’ stories, asking thoughtful questions and hearing about their day. Meet Jackson Sullivan, a dedicated volunteer at the Family House, whose journey into medicine intertwines with a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
“I chose to pursue medicine because it is a challenging and rewarding profession that allows me to combine my interests in learning anatomy and physiology with my desire to serve patients and their families,” he says with a warmth that mirrors his kind spirit. His passion for healing extends beyond the hospital walls. In 2022, as a first-year medical school student at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, he discovered the Family House when he was looking for volunteer opportunities in Winston-Salem. He hoped to find a place where he could positively impact patients outside of a clinical setting and where he and his fiancée could volunteer together. “The Family House perfectly fits this description,” he explains.
Since then, Jackson has been a welcome part of the Family House community. His volunteer roles primarily revolve around serving as a dinner host in the kitchen, ensuring guests are not only nourished with food but also with kindness and warmth. He also prepares grab-and-go snack bags for guests to take to the hospital, and he bakes homemade desserts so guests can feel more at home during their stay.
When asked about his favorite aspect of the Family House, Jackson says that he especially appreciates the people, including the staff, other volunteers, and guests who create an atmosphere of genuine care and support. He welcomes opportunities to connect with patients and families whom he would normally see in the hospital. “Most of my favorite memories revolve around the relationships I develop with guests during their prolonged stays,” he shares, “learning about their professions, families, and interesting hobbies.”
As a future physician, Jackson recognizes the pivotal role the Family House plays in the medical ecosystem. Coming from the small town of Kinston, in a rural area of eastern North Carolina, he empathizes with patients who must travel long distances for medical care.
“The Family House helps to remove financial and geographical barriers,” he explains, “making it easier for patients and their support systems to be where they need to be and focus on their treatment plan. I have been blessed to witness first-hand the positive emotional and psychological effects the Family House has on its guests.”
As a matter of fact, amidst shared meals and heartfelt conversations, Jackson has become part of the hospitality, care, and support that drives the Family House’s impact. Wherever his next steps take him, he can rest assured that he has left his mark at the Family House and in the lives of countless guests.