We are Niagara Health is a series of stories that celebrates the incredible people working and volunteering in our organization and how they make a difference in the lives of patients and coworkers every day.
Moises Vasquez volunteers in the Emergency Department at Niagara Health, bringing empathy, experience, and a deep commitment to service as he works toward practising medicine in Canada.
For Moises Vasquez, volunteering in the Niagara Health Emergency Department (ED) is more than an act of service. It’s a way to stay connected to his roots and continue providing patient care, even while not yet practising his profession in Canada.
Originally from Colombia, Vasquez built his career in emergency medicine, caring for rural and vulnerable communities across both Colombia and Ecuador. In 2014, he arrived in Canada as a refugee with his pregnant wife, Daisy, and two young children, Moises G and Karoline. They welcomed their third child, Steven, in 2015, and have since made Niagara their home.The transition brought significant challenges – from learning a new language to navigating a different healthcare system and beginning the long process of relicensing. But through it all, Vasquez has remained steadfast in his commitment to medicine and volunteer service.
“I will always be a physician,” says Vasquez. “Even if I am not practising in Canada yet, my goal is the same to serve, to support and to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Volunteering in the ED allows Moises to do just that. He began at the front desk, where his strong communication skills and calm demeanor stood out. Soon after, he transitioned to volunteering directly in the ED on weekends, a natural fit given his background.
“It feels like home. Being in this environment again, even in a different role, it brings me great joy.”
Robert Cosby, Director of Patient Experience at Niagara Health, says Vasquez’s story is inspiring and highlights his perseverance and compassion.
“His contributions remind us of the impact of volunteers in providing human connection, empathy and care,” Cosby says.
Vasquez’s experience as a physician gives him a unique ability to navigate the high-pressure ED environment, all with empathy and attentiveness. Whether offering a warm blanket or checking in with a patient, he approaches each interaction with care and focus.
“In the Emergency Department, everything moves quickly. But even small moments of connection can have a big impact,” he says.
Beyond his work in the ED, Vasquez has also supported Niagara Health’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) research team as a volunteer. He has passed the Canadian licensing exam and plans to apply for residency soon.
Throughout his journey, Vasquez says Niagara Health has provided valuable support, helping him stay connected to the medical community.
“Niagara Health has always been open to allowing me and other internationally trained physicians to attend continuing medical education sessions, which has been a tremendous support in becoming familiar with the Canadian medical community and standards of care,” he shares. “The Teaching Department has been an amazing support, helping us use teaching rooms to practise for our licensing exams. I’ve also been given the opportunity to observe the Emergency Department under the supervision of physicians. These experiences have made a real difference in my journey.”
For Vasquez, volunteering is not just about gaining experience; it’s also about making a meaningful contribution while on the path to his professional goals.
“You don’t need a doctor’s licence to make an impact,” he says. “Service begins the moment you decide to show up. If you carry your knowledge and heart into the community, you’re already doing the work.”
Vasquez’s journey is a powerful reminder that the ED doesn’t just run on clinical skill but also runs on compassion and connection. And in every shift, every interaction and every act of support, he continues to lead with both.
“During Volunteer Week, we celebrate individuals like Moises, who demonstrate that kindness, dedication and compassion can transform lives,” Cosby says. “Their contributions are felt in every corner of our hospitals, and we are truly grateful.”
If you are interested in becoming an Emergency Department volunteer at Niagara Health, please visit the Volunteer Resources page for more information.
“Our volunteers play an essential role in creating meaningful experiences for patients and families. They are often the first warm smile or kind word that a patient encounters,” Cosby says. “People like Moises show that, whether through clinical care or compassionate support, every contribution leaves a lasting impact.”
