UH Geauga Medical Center
Volunteers at UH Geauga Medical Center

Volunteering at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center

Volunteer Services at UH Geauga Medical Center is dedicated to the art of compassion by creating an excellent patient/visitor experience involving members of the community. Volunteers are committed to the comfort and well – being of patients, their families and staff. We accomplish this by maximizing individual abilities and providing meaningful opportunities to serve.

Benefits to Volunteering

  • A caring environment where volunteers are respected and appreciated
  • A place to meet and socialize with others who share an interest in giving back
  • Many options to help that fit your schedule and interests
  • Exposure to the healthcare profession and career opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Traditional volunteer roles normally involve a commitment of 3 – 4 hours one day a week. Some of our volunteer assignments include:

  • Greeter/Wayfinding
  • Musical Arts
  • Lab Runner
  • Nutrition Services
  • Nursing Unit
  • Radiology
  • Gift Shop
  • Office Support
  • Spiritual Care
  • Mailroom
  • Veterans Visitation
  • UH Seidman Cancer Center

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Auxiliary of UH Geauga Medical Center

Two volunteers at UH Geauga Medical Center

The Auxiliary is an independent volunteer organization committed to advancing the hospital’s mission by raising funds that enhance patient care and strengthen healthcare services throughout the community. Through its philanthropic efforts, the Auxiliary helps purchase essential medical equipment, supports hospital development and improvement projects, sponsors educational scholarships, and funds community health programs.

To achieve these goals, Auxiliary members organize fundraising events and proudly operate the hospital’s gift shop, with proceeds directly benefiting the hospital and its patients.

Membership is open to all members of the community who share a commitment to giving back and making a meaningful difference. By joining the Auxiliary, volunteers become part of a dedicated group whose generosity and service help improve healthcare for patients and families today and for generations to come.

Pet Pals

Pet Pals-volunteer and dog

Pet Pals is a pet therapy program that uses trained volunteers and their adult dogs to make short, in-room visits to adults and children who would enjoy the company of a furry friend. Pet therapy has been found to reduce stress, promote healing, lower blood pressure, and lift spirits.

University Hospitals requires all dogs wanting to participate in the Pet Pals program to pass a Certified Therapy dog program evaluation. For more information about the Pet Pals program, contact Diane Pekarek: 216-844-6288 or Diane.Pekarek@UHhospitals.org.


Steps To Become a Volunteer

  • Submit an application (see volunteer application link below)
  • Teen volunteers (ages 15 – 17) must also submit a School Recommendation Form
  • Interview with Volunteer Services after references are verified
  • Fulfill health requirements (TB test, flu vaccine or masking during flu season)
  • Complete background check (18 years and older)
  • Complete volunteer orientation

How to Apply

Or print an application below to fill out and return.


UH Observation Learning Experiences

Portrait of laughing multi-cultural medical team standing in hospital corridor

Observation learning experiences are ways for individuals who are interested in healthcare careers to shadow a hospital worker (sponsor) and learn more about the field. Applicants are required to complete an application, online compliance training, adhere to all health screening requirements. Applicants are permitted to observe for 30 calendar days within a year.

Applications are being processed through an Observation Coordinator. Please review the list below for an Observation Coordinator processing applications in the area you are interested in. Observation Coordinators have the right to refuse an observation experience if it conflicts with department schedules or no one is available to coordinate the experience. Applications are obtained from the Observation Coordinators or by contacting Volunteer Services at 330-285-6271.

Observation Coordinators
Department E-mail
Physical Therapy Crystal.Basich@UHhospitals.org
Healthcare Administration Sherri.Kitterman@UHhospitals.org
Surgery/Operative Services Tabitha.Hubbell@UHhospitals.org
Cardiac Cath Lab Jennifer.Kelly@UHhospitals.org
Nursing Richard.Keleman@UHhospitals.org
Gregory.Layhew@UHhospitals.org
Respiratory Therapy Kimberly.Smith@UHhospitals.org
Occupational Therapy Samantha.Smith@UHhospitals.org
Vascular Lab Tina.Spreitzer@UHhospitals.org
Cardiology Lorraine.Stojkov@UHhospitals.org
Labor and Delivery Christine.Sutter@UHhospitals.org