As a full-service community teaching hospital, Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) takes pride in providing students with hands-on experience in a supportive and inclusive environment. Students from various educational backgrounds gain real-world experience and learn from our dedicated professionals.
This summer, MGH welcomed many students across a range of departments, including Surgery, Nursing Innovation, Quality and Safety and Finance. These students had the opportunity to work closely with our interdisciplinary teams, learning valuable skills and contributing to delivery of high-quality patient care and hospital projects.
As this year’s summer students wrap up their placements at MGH, we caught up with a few of them to learn more about their experience at the hospital.
Emran Shash
Medical Laboratory Science at Michener Institute of Education
Describe yourself in three words.
Inspired, ambitious and eager-to-learn.
What unit at MGH are you working in this summer? Can you tell us a little bit about your role and the kind of work you are doing?
I’ve had the exciting opportunity to work in the Department of Laboratory Medicine at MGH as a laboratory student. All projects I work on have a focus on quality improvement in the laboratory.
One of my projects included the development of an online specimen collection dictionary, with the goal of providing clinicians and laboratory staff at MGH with timely access to specimen collection and transport criteria, as well as test turnaround times. This project aims to empower healthcare providers at MGH to have timely access to important test information.
I’ve also had the opportunity to work alongside a fellow summer student and physician at MGH on a project to digitize public health test reports, turning physical documents into a digital spreadsheet. This unique project is being carried out with the goal of streamlining test reporting and minimizing errors while reporting patient test results.
This opportunity allowed me to appreciate both the need and power of effective interprofessional collaboration, where laboratory staff can work alongside other hospital departments to innovate and optimize laboratory processes, all with the aim to improve patient care.
Furthermore, I’ve had the enriching opportunity to experience how a clinical laboratory operates, and I have a new appreciation for the work that goes into producing patient test results. As I aspire to work as a laboratory technologist, this opportunity has really opened my eyes to what a career in lab medicine looks like.
What drew you to MGH and this unit in particular?
I grew up in the Flemingdon and Thorncliffe Park communities, leading me to see and appreciate the role MGH plays in advancing patient care in communities like mine. During the COVID-19 pandemic, where underserved communities were hit hard, I really appreciated MGH showing its strong community-focused approach to patient care.
With my passion for pursuing a career in lab medicine, coupled with my passion to serve communities, the opportunity to work at a hospital that has shown a strong community focus is something I feel a strong sense of purpose in and is something I am excited to be a part of. MGH’s vision of “Great care inspired by community” is what makes me excited to work at my local community hospital and bring positive care to the patients we serve.
How do you think this experience will benefit you?
This experience has provided me with unique and exceptional opportunities to be a part of. It’s provided me with a first-hand understanding of how a clinical laboratory works and solidified in me that this is a career path that I am truly excited to begin. Most importantly, it has allowed me to make lifelong connections to members of the laboratory team who have shown me their unwavering support, guidance and mentorship that I am beyond grateful for.
What has been your favourite part of this experience?
My favourite part of this experience was being able to learn from all the laboratory staff about the different areas of the clinical lab and how they produce test results for patients. Seeing the clinical lab in action with all the automation was truly fascinating. I also loved taking on a leadership role in leading initiatives that can be implemented in advancing patient care. This blend of leadership, innovation and continuous learning made my experience both enriching and deeply rewarding.
Matigan Crozier
Biomedical Science at Toronto Metropolitan University
Describe yourself in three words.
Curious, enthusiastic and compassionate.
What unit at MGH are you working in this summer? Can you tell us a little bit about your role and the kind of work you are doing?
This summer, I am working across all departments related to surgery. My main role is auditing. I audit the staff in various surgery units, focusing on areas such as Positive Patient Identification (PPID), fall prevention and surgical safety. For PPID, I ensure staff follow all safety protocols. I also evaluate these practices, ensure compliance with the rules, and then compile and send reports to my managers.
In addition to auditing, I take on various tasks as needed. I usually complete my auditing work early in the month, which allows me to spend the rest of my time observing, taking notes on what I learn and building connections with doctors and nurses. I also assist with any odd jobs my managers need me to do. This hands-on experience has been incredibly valuable, especially when interacting with like-minded professionals who share my interests.
What drew you to MGH and this unit in particular?
I live nearby, so MGH is a part of my community. During the school year, I began volunteering in the Stavro Emergency Department (ED). I chose to work in the ED because I enjoy the fast-paced environment, and I wanted to gain exposure to the medical field. Additionally, I wanted to learn more about my community and connect with the people who live here.
Often, hospitals can be daunting, especially for those visiting the first time or who are not feeling well. I want to be the person who helps make the process less overwhelming by answering questions and offering support. I want to make a positive impact for the people of my community.
I absolutely adore the people I have met here, and everything that I've learned and witnessed has been phenomenal. My experience volunteering in the ED made me wonder if there were other opportunities available to support MGH. I later learned of this summer student position and it felt like everything I was looking for coming together in this internship opportunity.
How do you think this experience will benefit you?
This experience will benefit me in so many ways. Firstly, it has given me the opportunity to explore various career paths, beyond just becoming a nurse or doctor. Everything I have learned and experienced here in different departments has allowed me to discover what I enjoy doing and what I may not be as passionate about. This will help guide me in my future career choices.
This experience has also helped my motivation in school. University classes tend to be very limited with hands-on experience when it comes to what we are learning. I find that a lot of the people I am surrounded with at school are thinking about going into medicine in the future, but we don’t have the full experience of getting to work with bodies, cadavers or specimens. It is easy to lose sight and think “is this worth it?”, especially since class labs are not as interesting as what I am learning here. Given the hands-on experience I have had here, it has reignited my passion that I had coming out of high school and going into my degree. Coming to MGH and witnessing what goes on when you complete your schooling has triggered this love that I once had and lost a little bit.
What’s been the most surprising part of the experience?
During my interview, the Director of Surgery mentioned that I would get to see and learn a lot, and that many people would be willing to teach me and take me under their wings. But I was still surprised by the immense support I’ve received. There was one instance when a doctor in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) invited me to watch a procedure, hold some scopes and look through them. In that moment, it felt like the rest of the world didn’t exist. It was so surreal.
Even though I knew I would have opportunities like this, it was still surprising to experience it as a second-year student. The experience was ethereal, seeing all the incredible things happening and the supportive people involved. The nurses, doctors and staff were incredibly encouraging. It felt more like a family than a job here. Witnessing this firsthand was truly surprising.
Ayrton Serapion
Bachelor of Business Administration at the Schulich School of Business at York University
Describe yourself in three words.
Resilient, ambitious and eager.
What unit at MGH are you working in this summer? Can you tell us a little bit about your role and the kind of work you are doing?
This summer, I am working in the Financial Services Department at MGH. I am involved in a variety of different projects. Throughout my term, my day-to-day tasks consist of validating invoices, supplier relationship management, reporting research funds and much more. Once I became accustomed to these tasks, I began to take on new projects on top of my daily responsibilities. In particular, I have assisted in developing webpages for online payments, capital asset disposal projects, as well as internal and external reporting of financial information.
What drew you to MGH and this unit in particular?
I was drawn to MGH because it is a teaching and community hospital. As I finished the end of my second year of undergraduate studies, I was eager to find a position that would provide meaningful and rewarding work. Consequently, I thought that financial services at MGH would be a great fit to jumpstart my professional development in the public sector as it aligned with my studies.
What’s your experience been like working at MGH?
From the beginning of my term, I was welcomed by a warm and welcoming team. Given this opportunity, I am very grateful to collaborate and learn from other industry professionals. Their support has been especially helpful when I have taken on new tasks and utilized new software – during these times, encountering learning curves is inevitable.
The support of my managers and senior financial analysts has fostered confidence in me. Whenever I felt unsure of something or required assistance, I could look to anyone on the team to provide constructive criticism or feedback to improve my work.
What has been your favourite part of this experience?
Without a doubt, my favorite part about this experience has been learning every day on the fly. I am truly grateful to apply my understandings from my educational studies to develop hands-on experience in the real world.
Aside from learning, being a part of the team and building relationships has been a great experience. From the weekly team huddles to the finance retreat, I was able to learn a thing or two about members of the team outside of work on a personal level.
Victoria Gemma
Public Relations – Corporate Communications at Sheridan College
Describe yourself in three words.
Open-minded, detail-oriented and attentive.
What unit at MGH are you working in this summer? Can you tell us a little bit about your role and the kind of work you are doing?
I work in the Corporate Communications Department at MGH. My role involves storytelling and content creation. My work includes contributing to our digital newsrooms by writing stories, researching and conducting interviews. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on developing social media content for MGH’s social media channels.
What drew you to MGH and this unit in particular?
I am passionate about the healthcare sector and the impact it has on individuals and communities. MGH stood out to me because of its commitment and dedication to making an impact on community health and well-being. The hospital’s focus on delivering high-quality care and engaging with the community aligns perfectly with my own values and goals.
One of the reasons I was drawn to this unit was the opportunity to gain valuable experience, skills development and mentorship in a supportive environment. Additionally, having been raised by my grandparents and accompanying them to medical appointments, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of effective communication in healthcare. These experiences have shown me how clear and compassionate communication can make a significant difference in patient care. It has inspired me to be a part of a team that prioritizes strong communication practices.
What’s been the most surprising part of the experience?
The most surprising part of my experience was learning the necessary steps it takes to ensure accurate and appropriate communication messaging for internal and external channels.
What also stood out to me was how quickly every member of the Corporate Communications Team mobilized when an unexpected situation arose. Witnessing this level of collaboration and the proactive approach to crisis management was both surprising and inspiring.
What has been your favourite part of this experience?
My favourite part of this experience has been learning and working alongside the individuals in this Communications Team. This has been an amazing opportunity to learn from industry professionals, and I am so grateful for their unwavering support and guidance.
One of the things I love about public relations (PR) is the variety of fields you can go into. What’s even more amazing is this Corporate Communications Team was eager to let me explore different aspects of PR, in addition to the storytelling and content creation I was hired to do. It is wonderful to be supported by my colleagues; I really appreciate all the help, openness and kindness they have shown.
Faith Lee
Digital Health and Data Analytics at Michener Institute of Education at the University Health Network
Describe yourself in three words.
Kind, caring and hard-working.
What unit at MGH are you working in this summer? Can you tell us a little bit about your role and the kind of work you are doing?
This summer, I am working in the Quality and Safety Department at MGH, focusing on preparations for Accreditation. One of our key projects is developing the MGH Care Wiki within our staff intranet, which is designed to provide staff with quick access to essential safety information, best practices and hospital-specific processes. My role has allowed me to engage with various stakeholders and representatives, offering me valuable insights into the healthcare system and the steps taken to keep patients safe and maintain high-quality care.
What are your academic and career aspirations?
My academic and career aspirations stem from a deep commitment to transforming our healthcare system into one that is more efficient, less burdensome for healthcare professionals, and more accessible for patients. Toronto’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including inefficiencies that strain resources and staff, contributing to burnout and reducing the time available for patient care. The fragmentation of services often leads to delays and a lack of continuity, which not only increases costs but negatively impacts patient outcomes.
I am passionate about bridging these gaps by leveraging technology to address these pressing issues. My mission is to tackle critical challenges such as reducing emergency room wait times, developing innovative digital interventions for early cancer detection and utilizing artificial intelligence to predict and prevent patient deterioration during hospital stays. I believe technology is key to building a more resilient healthcare system for tomorrow.
What drew you to MGH and this unit in particular?
I was drawn to MGH because of its commitment to inclusivity and its respect for diverse backgrounds and stories. The hospital’s dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for both patients and staff aligns with my values and professional goals.
The Quality and Safety Department, with its focus on quality and safety, particularly resonates with me because it offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Working here allows me to contribute to a culture of excellence and continuous improvement while being a part of a team that values everyone's unique perspective and experience.
What has been the most surprising part of this experience?
The most surprising part of the experience has been learning about the diverse backgrounds of each team member. Despite coming from different parts of the world and having varied educational experiences, they all share a common commitment to making MGH a safe and trustworthy place for patients. This blend of perspectives and shared dedication has been truly inspiring and has enriched my experience here.
Grant Shantz
Collaborative Nursing at Toronto Metropolitan University
Describe yourself in three words.
Committed, idealist and hard-working.
What unit at MGH are you working in this summer? Can you tell us a little bit about your role and the kind of work you are doing?
This summer, I am working as a research student with the Nursing Innovation (NI) Program. I primarily assist with project implementation, which includes activities such as interviewing staff and patients and transcription. Within my first two weeks, I had the opportunity to lead a collaborative quality improvement (QI) project. Our work is focused on advancing nursing practice, creating a better work environment for staff and improving patient outcomes.
What drew you to MGH and this unit in particular?
I’ve lived in East Toronto my whole life, and four generations of my family have relied on this hospital. In fact, three generations were born here at MGH! East York is our home. My decision to pursue a career in healthcare was influenced by my own experience with shoulder surgery at MGH, performed by one of our orthopedic physicians.
Growing up playing baseball, I thought the only way to receive a high-quality university education would be through athletic scholarships as a pitcher. When I got injured at 16, I thought I didn’t have a chance. After the surgery, not only was I able to return to the field, but I was able to live life pain-free and fully functional for the first time in two years. My physician did an incredible job, enabling me to pursue scholarships and pay for my tuition as a varsity athlete. The professionalism I saw in him and the rest of the MGH staff made me realize I wanted to contribute to the lives of others in the same way. MGH supported me during a time when everything felt uncertain and my plans seemed derailed, and it’s the reason I am on my path today.
I chose the NI Program because I was seeking a scholarly environment as I transitioned into pursuing a nursing degree. I had friends who worked here and spoke highly of their own experiences. After researching our team leaders, I was impressed by their dedication to advancing nursing practice and excellence. This is when I knew I wanted to be a part of this team and help make a difference.
How do you think this experience will benefit you?
This experience will benefit me in many ways. First, it helps me establish strong roots at MGH, where I hope to build a long-term career. The mentorship I’ve received also contributes to my professional development as I return to school. Working with the NI team provides me with a point-of-care perspective on best practices in healthcare. They are at the forefront of advancing nursing practice, which is exactly the kind of experience I want. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and MGH is where I can hone my skillsets as I transition into practice.
Additionally, I want to be a part of something that is growing. Seeing the long-term impact on our work is incredibly motivating, and I am proud to be involved early on and contributing to the incredible work culture in NI. While our leads and team members drive much of the progress, I plan on being here for the next four years to make a positive impact on the lives of our staff and patients and contribute to MGH’s success as a pillar of our community.
What’s been the most surprising part of the experience?
The most surprising part of working in NI has been seeing the impact of our work and the difference it makes. When I talk to participants, whether they are staff, students or patients, I get to hear their experiences, both good and bad. We discuss what can be improved and being part of the process that creates actionable steps is eye-opening. It makes me realize I can help make a difference in the lives of anyone who walks through our doors.
Professionally, the most exciting part of this experience is engaging with our staff, especially nurses. By talking with nurses, whether they are newly registered or have worked here for 40 years, I get to explore their experiences and challenges with them. Not only do these interactions enable my confidence to pursue nursing, but they allow me to recognize opportunities to improve nursing practice throughout my education.
Krisha malik
Graduate of Health Sciences specializing in Health Research with a focus on Aging Studies at the University of Waterloo
Describe yourself in three words.
Ambitious, compassionate and curious.
What unit at MGH are you working in this summer? Can you tell us a little bit about your role and the kind of work you are doing?
I am currently working in the Memory Care Unit as a Research Assistant on a study focused on the impact of immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences on individuals living with dementia. VR is an innovative technology that uses a special head-mounted display to create immersive experiences that simulate real-life environments. It allows users to feel as if they are truly present in a different place, seamlessly replacing their actual surroundings.
Through our study, we aim to evaluate the effect of therapeutic VR experiences on the mood and responsive behaviours of people living with dementia, using caregiVR – an evidence-based VR platform developed from over a decade of research on VR for seniors living with dementia, including studies conducted at MGH.
What are your academic and career aspirations?
My academic and career aspirations are focused around bridging the gap between healthcare and the transformative potential of innovative technologies. I am passionate about how advancements in biotech can revolutionize patient care and enhance the overall healthcare experience. I am excited about pursuing a career in biotechnology, where I can contribute to developing solutions that improve lives and reshape the future of healthcare.
What drew you to MGH and this unit in particular?
I was drawn to MGH by the unique and compassionate approach the Memory Care Unit takes toward treating patients with dementia and other cognitive diseases. The unit’s emphasis on maintaining and enhancing patients’ abilities, rather than solely focusing on their disabilities, deeply resonates with me.
Additionally, I had been following the work of the PrescribingVR lab for years, particularly their efforts in merging VR with senior care, which greatly intrigued me. When this opportunity arose, it felt like the perfect chance to contribute to this amazing work.
I’m especially inspired by the unit’s commitment to transforming care through researching innovative technologies like VR, which holds the potential to enhance patient engagement and improve therapeutic outcomes in both high-tech and compassionate ways.
What has been your favourite part of this experience?
My favourite part has been how much I’ve learned in such a short period. I’ve had the opportunity to gain insights from researchers who possess profound knowledge about both the study and dementia, which has been incredibly impactful. Additionally, I’ve enjoyed working on my analytical and research communication skills, which have significantly improved through hands-on experience and collaboration with experts in the field. This combination of deep learning and skill development has made this experience both fulfilling and memorable.