Amherst wellness garden project lauds youth leadership, community pride

With the Heart of Health series, we’re shining a light on the many dedicated employees, physicians, learners and volunteers who make Nova Scotia Health a remarkable place to work and receive care. Today, we’re featuring Sherebanu Jariwala, an emergency room/ambulatory care volunteer and support consultant working on the One Person One Record effort.

At a Halifax-area emergency department, Sherebanu Jariwala can be found offering a warm smile, a steady presence and sometimes just a blanket or snack to someone having one of the hardest days of their life.

Those small moments are part of a much bigger dream for the 23-year-old Bedford resident.

Sherebanu has spent years volunteering in ambulatory care and emergency departments across Halifax, experiences that have helped shape her goal of becoming a physician in Nova Scotia’s healthcare system. A graduate of Saint Mary’s University with a bachelor of science in biology/physiology, she is now applying to medical schools.

“I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was five-years-old,” she says. “Caring for people just comes naturally to me. I love biology and human anatomy and I’ve never feared blood or needles.”

Sherebanu has spent weekends in the emergency department, helping patients navigate registration and triage while offering comfort during moments of uncertainty.

“It’s busy, unpredictable and intense and I love that,” she explains. “You never know what the next moment will bring, but you’re right there with the patients. It’s helped me truly understand how the system works.”

She often meets people at their most vulnerable.

“Many patients come in panicked or overwhelmed,” Sherebanu explains. “When they see someone smiling and willing to help, it can make a tough situation feel just a little bit lighter.”

Her commitment to service extends beyond the hospital. Sherebanu has also volunteered with St. John Ambulance as a medical responder at community events, providing first aid support and assisting during emergencies outside of clinical settings.

As a high school senior, she helped raise funds for the IWK Health Centre, an early experience that deepened her connection to healthcare and community service. She later continued that leadership journey at Saint Mary’s University, serving as president of both the biology and science societies and advocating for student engagement and community impact.

“Giving back makes me feel grounded,” she says. “I could be at home scrolling on my phone, but I’d rather be doing something meaningful.”

Sherebanu works supporting the IWK Health Centre alongside Nova Scotia Health, assisting healthcare professionals during new One Person, One Record (OPOR) system migrations. While the role has introduced her to opportunities, her passion remains firmly rooted in patient care.

“I don’t want to leave healthcare,” she says. “It’s fast-paced, it’s challenging, and you’re constantly learning. You give so much but you get so much back in return.”

The long hours and weekend shifts are not sacrifices, she points out, but stepping stones toward a lifelong calling grounded in compassion, leadership and a deep commitment to her community.

We want to learn and share your stories. Whether you’ve had a defining moment that reaffirmed your purpose or want to recognize a colleague who embodies the heart of health, share your story with us. Email Keith Corcoran, Communications Advisor Public Affairs, Content & Media Relations at keith1.corcoran@nshealth.ca.

Photo of Sherebanu Jariwala.