Identical twins Zoie and Midori P., 20, are not only students at West Coast University-Los Angeles, they’re also two of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s youngest and most dedicated volunteers.
Their inspiring story recently captured attention during National Volunteer Week and was featured by NBC 4 News and local newspapers, proudly highlighting their connection to West Coast University.
Currently pursuing their bachelor of science in nursing degree at WCU-LA, Zoie and Midori are supplementing their classroom learning with hands-on experience as part of Cedars-Sinai’s Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB) program. The initiative allows aspiring healthcare professionals to gain firsthand exposure to nursing roles, providing opportunities to work alongside clinical teams and connect directly with patients.
Despite the challenges of a rigorous academic schedule, the sisters rise before dawn — waking at 3:30 a.m. in their Torrance home — to make it to Cedars-Sinai by 5 a.m. for their volunteer shift.
“They give of themselves incredibly,” Cedars-Sinai volunteer services director Michele Prince said. “They’re getting up way before dawn and coming all the way here to serve the hospital.”
On separate nursing floors, Zoie and Midori assist with essential tasks such as stocking supplies, preparing workstations, and responding to patient needs. But for them, the experience is more than just volunteer work — it’s a calling.
“It doesn’t even feel like a job or a duty,” Zoie said. “It makes us feel good to be here every time.”
Despite the sisters’ alarms going off before the sun rises, they are continually reminded of their mission to serve others in need at the hospital.
“They are here and they need our help,” Midori explained.
The sisters, often mistaken for one another in their matching uniforms, have become familiar and beloved faces on their respective floors. While they embrace the occasional mix-up, they’re quick to clarify identities:
“I make sure to say, ‘I’m Midori, and I have a twin named Zoie,’” Midori laughed.
Their time as volunteers is not only building their clinical confidence, but also nurturing a compassionate, patient-centered mindset.
“I love going into patient rooms and asking how they are doing and if they need anything,” Zoie said.
“I’m pretty sure it’s going to help me be more resilient and more attentive to patient needs,” Midori said.
As they continue their nursing education at WCU-Los Angeles, the sisters dream of returning to Cedars-Sinai as registered nurses.
“There are 1,200 Cedars-Sinai employees who were once volunteers,” Prince noted. “And perhaps Zoie and Midori will be among them one day.”
Watch their NBC 4 News feature here.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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