The application to our Fall 2026 Patient Advocacy Volunteer Program in Emergency Room Services (PAVERS) has officially opened!
PAVERS is offered in the fast-paced emergency departments at NYC Health+Hospitals/Bellevue, NYU Tisch Hospital, and NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn. In the ED, PAVERS volunteers are given the opportunity to explore the reality of a career in medicine as they provide patient support during procedures, advocate on behalf of non-English speakers, comfort family members and loved ones, and establish deep relationships with patients. In addition to physician attendings, residents, RNs, and NPs, our volunteers engage in meaningful conversation with patient care technicians, behavioral health assistants, certified nursing assistants, and hospital janitorial staff.
The true cornerstone of the PAVERS program is, however, patient advocacy. Our emergency departments serve those whose medical diagnoses are complicated by homelessness, food insecurity, undocumented immigration status, and mental health crises. Through hands-on experience in one of New York City’s level 1 Trauma Centers, our volunteers are exposed to numerous aspects of patient care and advocacy while working closely with clinical staff.
PAVERS volunteers must commit to two consecutive semesters of two weekly 4-hour shifts from 8am-12pm, 12-4pm, 4-8pm, or 8pm-12am, as well as a cohort-wide, once-per-month Sunday meeting. More information about PAVERS and our other volunteer programs can be found on our web page. The application for PAVERS Fall 2026 is now open and will officially close on June 1, 2026.
If you have any questions about the program or application process, please feel free to reach out to BellevuePavers@NYULangone.org, BrooklynPavers@NYULangone.org, or TischPavers@NYULangone.org.
