At first glance, switching careers from high school education to becoming a doctor might seem like a leap. But for Newton native and NMC Health volunteer David Jantz, it’s a step that feels more like coming home.
“I recently decided to make a career transition,” he says. “I was teaching high school science and realized that wasn’t quite right for me. I’ve been exposed to healthcare for a long time – my dad is a doctor – so I decided to volunteer and find out what it’s like.”
For the past three months, David has been a regular, friendly face at NMC Health, where he’s made a habit of helping others through our volunteer program and gaining insight into the field he hopes to one day join as a physician. He’s now even been hired as a Patient Care Technician on our Medical unit – a position that allows him to gain valuable firsthand experience in the medical field.
A warm welcome to healthcare
“My first day was awesome,” he recalls with a smile. “I got to meet Erin Johnson and Patty Meier, who welcomed me into the fold and made me feel part of the team right away.”
Johnson serves as NMC Health’s Marvin H. Ewert Endowed Chaplain and volunteer coordinator. Meier is Executive Director of Development and Outreach.
David started his volunteer journey on the Sunshine Cart, a mobile stash of puzzles, magazines, and snacks designed to bring comfort and distraction to patients and staff alike. While the cart might seem like a small gesture, its impact is anything but.
The Sunshine Cart provides a means of connection. It allows David to not only enter into a patient’s room, but into their life and current circumstance.
When he’s not pushing the Sunshine Cart, you’ll find him in the Senior Behavioral Health Center, where patients often appreciate companionship as much as any activity. Whether it’s playing bingo, working on puzzles, or simply sitting and chatting, the time he spends here is meaningful – for both sides.
Real connections
Of all the tasks he’s taken on, the human connection stands out most to him.
“The times when I’m able to really connect with patients are nice,” he says. “Sometimes I’ll drop off a crossword puzzle and that’s helpful. It matters. But the times that feel really good are when the patient doesn’t even want anything and we just chat for awhile. It feels good to connect with them, listen to them, and keep them company.”
One memory, in particular, stays with him: a patient who initially showed little interest in anything from the cart.
“She never wanted anything, and always dismissed me pretty quickly,” he says. “Eventually, we started talking and I found out she loved flowers. So I went to Dillons and bought her some. We were best friends after that.”
The volunteer difference
Volunteers are often the unsung heroes of hospital life.
“Hospital volunteers keep a lot of behind the scenes things running,” he says. “Things like refilling hand sanitizer, completing administrative tasks – there are just a lot of things the hospital benefits from.”
It’s this combination of meaningful interactions and practical support that’s helped him gain clarity about his future.
“Volunteering has confirmed that this is what I want to do,” he says. It feels really good to know I’m doing something that matters, and I think that feeling will only grow as I take on more responsibility as a doctor.”
A message to future volunteers
To other young people considering volunteering, his advice is simple: just do it.
“It’s surprisingly rewarding,” he says. “Even if it’s something small, it makes a difference. I was studying full-time for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) while volunteering, and honestly, it ended up being a great study break. It helped me study harder, with more rigor.”
His unofficial volunteer hashtag? #Listen – a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful things you can give someone is your time and attention.
“I’ve had a really positive experience here,” David says. “From my perspective, the community is lucky to have this medical center.”
