For Andrea Sauter, working at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) isn’t just a job, it’s a family tradition.
Inspired by her mom — who worked in Health Records at MSH before retiring — Andrea always envisioned a future in health care. Growing up in Stouffville, Andrea was drawn to the hospital through the stories her mom shared. “The friendships and relationships that she built while working there were always such a positive thing,” she recalls. “It made me want to work in an environment like this.”
Andrea began her own journey at MSH as a volunteer. When there was an opportunity in the Labour and Delivery (L&D) unit, she was encouraged to apply and she got the job! She dedicated seven years to the L&D unit, before transitioning to Outpatient Procedures (OPS), where she currently works as the Unit Secretary for Endoscopy.
Describing her current role as the team moderator, Andrea thrives in the dynamic environment of OPS. “I always like to know what's going on, and how I can help the nurses and doctors to get the flow of our day,” she says. “Some days, it can be really hectic, other days it can be calm, cool, and collected,” Andrea explains. “But I like to be busy.”
Andrea loves interacting with patients, and believes that being a warm and reassuring presence for those who may feel uncertain about their appointments is an important part of the role. “Patients come in not knowing what to expect,” she says. “I want to be a friendly face and make sure they feel welcome and at ease.”
MSH’s endoscopy program provides close to 8,000 procedures per year, including services for cancer screening and prevention, as well as diagnosing and treating disease of the intestinal tract. Andrea is grateful for the donors who support our hospital and help funds its priority needs. “Advances in technology, new instruments, or new machines really help the patients,” she says. “It makes it easier for them.”
Andrea is also grateful — and pleasantly surprised — to be named an MSH Hero. “I am shocked,” she admits. “I like coming to my job. I like to see other people happy. I'm very humbled and grateful that someone has seen how hard I work and recognized me.”
