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Dr. Jennifer Li has a longstanding connection with Oak Valley Health's Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH), dating back to 2009. "I grew up here as a medical student," she reflects.
Dr. Li credits the guidance she received during her medical and surgical residencies at MSH to shaping her into the general surgeon she is today. “It's nice to be able to work with your teachers and mentors from once upon a time because they kind of raised me,” she says. “As a resident, you might go through many different hospitals — it's rare that you get to sustain that relationship.”
As a core member of MSH’s award-winning Surgical Services team — comprised of more than 40 surgeons who collectively perform more than 22,700 procedures each year — Dr. Li describes her day-to-day as “chaotic.” In her role, she treats 30–40 patients each week in the Oncology Clinic, the Gale and Graham Wright Breast Health Centre, the Melanoma Clinic, and for various minor procedures like endoscopies and colonoscopies.
“I wanted to do this because it's so many different things in one occupation,” affirms Dr. Li.
Reflecting on her years at MSH, Dr. Li is grateful to work at a hospital dedicated to evolving its models of care. She stresses the importance of connected care for her patients beyond the operating room, especially in oncology. “It's not just dealing with the physical cancer, it's the mental stress or the anxiety that disease can bring onto people,” explains Dr. Li. “It’s not going to be a quick fix,” she adds. “This is health care as a whole picture.”
Dr. Li is inspired by MSH Foundation donors who support the hospital — their generosity funds leading-edge technology and enhances patient care. “Donors make a huge difference,” says Dr. Li. “We get to do what we do because of them.”
Although Dr. Li’s busy schedule takes her to several areas of the hospital, one place she is not comfortable in is the spotlight. “I feel shy,” she expresses about being recognized as an MSH Hero. “I appreciate being able to experience this, but I think my forte is behind the scenes.”
“I’m only here because of my nurses,” Dr. Li humbly adds.
Dr. Li’s dedication to the community, compassion for her patients, and deep appreciation for teamwork are the makings of a true MSH Hero.
