Temerty Medicine celebrates National Volunteer Week
The University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine is celebrating its generous and impactful volunteer community in conjunction with National Volunteer Week 2025.
National Volunteer Week 2025 runs from April 27th to May 3rd. It offers organizations the opportunity to honour their volunteers’ dedication and hard work and to highlight the difference they are making to their communities. This year’s theme is Volunteers Make Waves, reflecting the power, impact and importance of volunteer efforts across Canada. Every service contribution, big or small, creates momentum and has the power to influence and inspire.
At Temerty Medicine, we are excited to join in marking this national campaign and to recognize the many contributions our volunteers make to our work advancing health and health care. Whether supporting new generations of health care professionals, fueling health research or strengthening community engagement, our dedicated volunteers are truly setting off lasting waves of impact.
Read on to discover what motivates some of our inspiring volunteers to give back to our Faculty. Looking to join their ranks? You can also learn more about the many different volunteer opportunities available at Temerty Medicine on our website.
Chuck T. Chen (PhD ’99)
Founding member and president, Nutritional Sciences Alumni Association
“My best experiences at U of T as a student were the interactions with our alumni and the connections I fostered during that time. Now that I am part of that alumni community, it is amazing to be able to share my experiences with the next generation.”
Jim Douketis (MD ’88, PGME Internal Medicine)
MD alumni mentor and Temerty Medicine Pal
“I volunteer because I remember how much it meant to have support during med school. I’m really looking forward to being part of the new Temerty Medicine Pals program and connecting with students as they make the move to Hamilton to continue their medical
Chris Gallimore (MD ’05, PGME Orthopaedic Surgery)
MD alumni mentor and MD Alumni Council member
“I find my volunteer experience as a mentor especially rewarding, as I get to interact with the younger generation and I am always impressed by their activities. The degree of intelligence, drive and ambition displayed by many of these students has given me an optimistic outlook for the future.”
Jane Jomy
MD student and Temerty Medicine Medical Society volunteer
“I volunteer with the faculty because I am passionate about learner wellness and mentorship. As a first-generation MD student, I appreciate that access to career exploration opportunities and wellbeing go hand-in-hand.”
Michelle Simmons (MHSc ’20)
Co-president, Speech-Language Pathology Alumni Association
“I was inspired to get involved because of the positive interactions I had with alumni as a student. Whether through formal mentorships or off-the-cuff exchanges, I learned so much from previous graduates. Once I graduated, I wanted to continue to pay that forward to my future fellow alumni.”
Sharon Switzer-McIntyre (BScPT ’85, PhD ’04)
Alumni mentor, Class Ambassador and reunion organizer
“My volunteer efforts allow me to support students in their education journey and beyond, advocate for equitable care and build meaningful connections across all the health disciplines. It fulfills my passion for mentorship and making a positive impact on the delivery of health care.”
Michelle Yee (MD ’15, PGME Family Medicine)
Class Ambassador and reunion organizer
“Volunteering has been a meaningful way to reconnect with the people and place that shaped such an important part of my life. It feels good to give back and help create opportunities for us to come together and reflect on how far we've come.”
River Zhang
MD student, Kids’ Passport and U of T Mental Health Association volunteer
“My own challenges adjusting to university life inspired my passion for supporting others and commitment to making a difference. My involvement on campus has allowed me to help support and uplift new students and bridge gaps in mental health education and advocacy.”
