Comer volunteer reading with a patient
March 2025 Update: We are currently accepting Summer only volunteer applications as well as applicants that will be in the Chicagoland area for the next 6 consecutive months. Prospective volunteers who are able to serve at least 6 consecutive months (including all summer months) can complete the summer volunteer application below.

If you are a student who is leaving the Chicagoland area for the summer months, please visit our website in early August for the next application season.

2025 Summer Volunteer Program: Application Open March 2025

UChicago Medicine is looking for highly motivated volunteers to enhance our patient and family experience this summer. If you are interested in a career in health care, home for the summer months, or want to make a difference in the community-our condensed summer program provides you the opportunity to engage with patients, families, and staff in a meaningful way.

Summer Requirements and Details

  • You must be at least 16 years of age at the time your application is submitted.
  • You must commit to 12 weeks of service, completing 100 volunteer hours from early June to late August. This is a recurring weekly commitment of about 8-10 hours per week.
  • Application is due by May 9, 2025. We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. There are limited spots, and the application may close early if interview and/or program capacity is reached.
  • Volunteer applicants must complete a virtual interview with a Volunteer Services Program Manager, be accepted, and complete the required onboarding process by June 9, 2025. Volunteer clearance can take 2-4 weeks depending on the applicant’s personal schedule and commitment.
  • This opportunity is not available for B-1, B-2, H1-B, and H-4 visa holders. Applicants with permanent resident cards must provide a copy of their card to our office during the time of the interview.
  • Please note: The COVID-19 vaccine and the annual influenza vaccine (pending time of year) is required to become a volunteer at UChicago Medicine. Masking in patient care areas is currently required at the medical center. Volunteers will not be assigned or paired with any patients who are COVID-19 positive or being tested for COVID-19.

How to Apply:

Submit an application using the link below. We will contact eligible applicants within 20 business days to set up a virtual volunteer interview.

Complete a volunteer application and begin your path to volunteering 

Year Round Volunteer Requirements and Details

  • You must be at least 16 years of age at the time your application is submitted.
  • You must commit to 6 months of service, completing 100 volunteer hours. This is a weekly commitment of about 3-4 hours per week.
  • Volunteer applicants must interview with a Volunteer Services Program Manager, be accepted into a program, and complete the required onboarding process. Volunteer onboarding can take 2-4 weeks depending on the applicant’s personal schedule and commitment.
  • Be in good health and able to pass required health and drug screening and receive an annual influenza vaccination (during flu season).
  • This opportunity is not available for B-1, B-2, H1-B, and H-4 visa holders. Applicants with permanent resident cards must provide a copy of their card to our office during the time of the interview.
  • Please note: The COVID-19 vaccine and an annual flu vaccine is required to become a volunteer at UChicago Medicine. Masking in patient care areas is required at the medical center.
  • Volunteers will not be assigned or paired with any patients who are COVID-19 positive or being tested for COVID-19. 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the University of Chicago Medicine. We value our ability to offer health and wellness services in our South Side and south suburban communities. In return, our neighbors help us by donating their time.

Our team of volunteers is vital to our mission, which is to provide superior health care in a compassionate manner, ever mindful of each patient’s dignity and individuality.

Our staff appreciates the support of our responsible and well-trained volunteers who contribute their time to make a difference in our patients’ lives. In countless ways, our volunteers help patients and their families feel better during difficult times.

Benefits of Volunteering

  • Personal fulfillment
  • Free skills training in volunteer work area
  • Free health screenings, flu shot and parking in the visitors' garage
  • Making new friends with service-oriented people
  • Enhanced knowledge of healthcare system, hospital programs and services
  • Annual volunteer banquet in recognition of your service at UChicago Medicine

Ways to Volunteer

The following are a few examples of our volunteer program opportunities at the UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital.

Join Our Hyde Park Volunteer Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Note: Volunteers do not take the place of salaried staff. Volunteer service is not intended in any way to lead to paid employment.