One of the most inspiring ways to volunteer in a medical capacity? For the TCS New York City Marathon. With nearly 55,000 runners chasing the 26.2 mile finish line, the role of medical volunteers is vital. 8 medical tents serve runners in ways ranging from handing out sticks of Vaseline to ease chafing and spraying “Icy Hot” for a little knee relief to providing critical care to those presenting severe injury, dehydration, or worse. Volunteers come from myriad backgrounds, from emergency medicine to physical therapy, as well as current medical students. In a recent panel hosted by New York Road Runners, past volunteers shared their stories of assisting runners—and the fulfillment of being an active part of the New York City’s biggest and most inspiring event.
