This summer, Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) honoured more than 300 staff members who marked career milestones in 2023 at the annual Long Service Awards Reception. This is an event that recognizes the outstanding dedication and contributions of employees who are marking significant work anniversaries at the hospital.
Of these individuals, 40 of them are marking 25, 30, 35 or 40 years at MGH. This means they have dedicated a remarkable portion of their lives to supporting the health and well-being of our diverse East Toronto community.
So, what makes MGH such a great place to work and what’s inspired our people to stick around for so long? There are lots of reasons to work with us but read on to hear from our staff in their own words!
Mark Vansickle-Hirst
Pharmacy Technician
40 years
“I truly feel I was meant to be here. I was born at MGH, my sister worked here and my mother was a Switchboard Operator here for many years. She influenced me to apply to the hospital. My first job was in the summer as a Pharmacy Attendant, which was only supposed to be for 30 days but it turned into 40 years as a Pharmacy Technician. This job has given me everything and I consider myself so lucky to be around such wonderful people that really make this place.”
Donna Vasko
Supervisor, Pre-Anesthesia Clinic, Fracture Clinic and Recovery Room
40 years
“I’ve wanted to be a Registered Nurse since I was nine years old. After I graduated from nursing school, I got a job at MGH and I’ve never wanted to leave. I’ve worked in different areas during my time here, including Medicine, the Emergency Department and the ICU. I moved into a leadership role five years ago and I love that, too. I love our people – how kind and friendly everyone is and how we work together to take care of patients. It feels incredibly supportive and welcoming, and it’s a great place to be.”
Elizabeth Bazrafshan
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
35 years
“I started working at MGH in 1988. As a nursing student, I had the opportunity to work at numerous hospitals. I chose MGH – known as Toronto East General at the time – because I really love the people here. I’ve worked in many areas but have been in the Emergency Department for more than 20 years. It can be very busy and a tough job, but we persevere and help one another. I can’t picture myself doing anything else.”
Angela Albi (pictured right)
Supervisor, Volunteer Services and Special Projects
25 years
“When I began working at MGH, I was part-time in the kitchen preparing and delivering patient meal trays while attending school. I later completed a placement with the Corporate Communications Team and landed a job as a Communications Coordinator, which I worked in for 15 years. I then became Supervisor of Volunteer Services, a role I’ve held now for 10 years and counting.
It’s the people that inspire me to continue working at MGH. MGH is also my community hospital – I was born here, had my son here and receive all my healthcare needs here. It’s a part of me and my career – I can’t envision myself anywhere else.”
Doriann Duncan-Johnson
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
25 years
“MGH was the first hospital I worked at after I completed my nursing program and I’ve never left! What’s kept me around is the people I work with. In the Emergency Department, every day is different and sometimes we see patient situations that are really tough or sad. But my colleagues and I work so well together – we cry together, we laugh together. Everyone is so friendly and easy to get along with. No matter what, we always come together as a team.”
Jiji Menacherry
Pharmacy Technician
25 years
“I started working at MGH as a student and really liked the environment and culture of the hospital. People are very friendly and I feel very included. You build relationships here, too – you make friends and you learn a lot from your colleagues. You feel like a big family here. That’s why I’ve stayed and why I love working here.”
Sofia Capalad
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
25 years
“I started working at MGH in 1998. The first three years I worked with the Rehab Team and then I transitioned to the ICU. Everyone here works as a team and our patients give us strength and inspiration to do our jobs. I’ve lived in Etobicoke and Scarborough, where there are other healthcare organizations, but I make the commute to MGH because it’s my second home. My friends, coworkers and patients are my second family.”
Anna Kotapka
Pharmacy Technician
25 years
“I began working at MGH as a student and decided to stay because I feel like I have a family here. We get to know each other and talk at lunchtime, and we go out after work. It's like a continuation of school. You learn new technologies and systems; you make new connections. You grow here.”
Working at Michael Garron Hospital isn’t one thing. It’s everything. Learn more about the benefits of joining our team and explore our open job opportunities.