Meet Michael Teutenberg, a McGill medical student, former patient, and dedicated volunteer at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital. Michael is a Patient Experience Participant (PEP). PEPs are special volunteers within Oak Valley Health who contribute in various ways to help deliver remarkable experiences to our patients. Furthermore, they also aim to strengthen patient interaction at the hospital.
“For me, PEP is about making sure that each patient’s voice is heard through our experience in different communities,” explains Michael.
Michael appreciates volunteering and being able to give back to the hospital where he was born in. He states that the positive attitude of the staff and patients at Markham Stouffville Hospital makes it a welcoming environment.
“The staff and the team are very encouraging,” says Michael. “When you come into Markham Stouffville Hospital, you know you’re making meaningful contributions to your community. You feel like you’re a valuable member of the team whose voice is always heard. This is what makes this hospital a stand-out pillar in our community.”
Michael has been involved with Oak Valley Health for five years in various capacities. He has volunteered in several departments, including Diagnostic Imaging, Outpatient Recovery, the Emergency Department, and the Office of Research. Each opportunity has given Michael valuable first-hand exposure that he can apply to his next learning experience.
“It is a great experience for anyone interested in health care or giving back to the community,” says Michael. “As a volunteer, we not only bring a unique perspective to day-to-day proceedings, we also help make the health care system less intimidating for patients by supporting them throughout their journey.”
“As a volunteer, we not only bring a unique perspective to day-to-day proceedings, we also help make the health care system less intimidating for patients by supporting them throughout their journey.”
Michael Teutenberg
Apart from life at the hospital, Michael is a health enthusiast who enjoys discovering local cafés and learning about the historical roots of the Markham community he calls home. His interests in medical imaging and artificial intelligence have naturally motivated Michael to pursue a career in diagnostic imaging.
“I’m happy to say that I will be returning to the GTA in July to begin my medical residency in diagnostic radiology at the University of Toronto,” says Michael. “This is a long-time dream of mine, and would not have been possible without Oak Valley Health and the team at Markham Stouffville Hospital.”
Michael hopes to one day return to Markham Stouffville Hospital to practice as a diagnostic radiologist, remembering his experiences as a volunteer with the patient at heart and science in hand.