Dr. Minkowitz has practiced as a cardiologist since Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital opened in 1990 and was lead cardiologist from 2011 to 2019. He specializes in invasive and non-invasive general cardiology.
“Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital is a community hospital. I believe our community should be able to get expert care in their community and not have to go elsewhere.”
Dr. Joseph Minkowitz is passionate about his work – providing exceptional patient care.
“Physicians have to make sure that patients feel they’re receiving the very highest level of care. And we do our best to supply that.”
To deliver on this belief, Dr. Minkowitz has helped to expand cardiology services at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital with the launch of two new initiatives.
In the spring of 2019, the hospital introduced a Cardiovascular Rehab and Wellness Program designed to help patients with confirmed cardiovascular disease, such as stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or heart disease, improve their cardiovascular health and make the best decisions for a healthier lifestyle. The 26-week program includes weekly education sessions and exercises classes at the neighbouring Cornell Community Centre.
Following the launch of the Cardiovascular Rehab and Wellness program, the hospital introduced a new Heart Function Clinic, which is a specialty outpatient clinic for patients who were admitted to hospital with congestive heart failure due to a weakened or a stiffened heart muscle.
“I’m very proud of these initiatives and of the team here at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital who is helping ensure our patients get the care they deserve.”
“When I grow up I’m going to fix people’s broken hearts.”
Dr. Minkowitz is equally proud to have been a part of the Markham Stouffville Hospital team since the beginning. In a 2016 interview for Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation’s bi-annual Healthy.Together.Markham.StouffvilleTM magazine when he was named an MSH Hero, he explained why he chose to practice here:
“I was completing my training at U of T, three months after the hospital opened (in 1990). I loved it so much that I wrapped up my final year of research and basically joined the hospital that year.”
He’s been lending his skills and expertise – and legendary warm and humble manner – ever since.
His decision to pursue cardiology can be traced to his childhood in Montreal.
“There was a little hardware store around the corner from my house that took care of all your needs,” he says. “There was a sign on the window that said, ‘We can fix everything except a broken heart.’ And I said to my parents, ‘When I grow up I’m going to fix people’s broken hearts.’ I know it sounds sappy, but it’s true.”
His mission has never wavered.
“Cardiology is an exceptionally exciting field of medicine. In fact, most fields of medicine have become exciting again because of new research. I wouldn’t change what I do…,” says Dr. Minkowitz, who was also Lead Cardiologist from 2011 to 2019. “On even the most frustrating days, I wouldn’t change it for anything.”