Sarah Downey is president and chief executive officer of Michael Garron Hospital (MGH). Her healthcare experience spans two decades of professional engagement in both academic health-science centres and in complex multi-institutional organizations in Toronto and Ottawa. Prior to joining MGH she worked at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health as executive vice president, clinical programs. She has also held senior leadership positions at the University Health Network’s Princess Margaret Hospital where she was responsible for the clinical and support-services operations of Canada’s largest comprehensive cancer centre. A proud resident of East Toronto, she volunteers her time on the board of directors of WoodGreen Community Services. Sarah has a bachelor of science in biology from the University of New Brunswick and a master of health administration from the University of Ottawa. She holds a certified health executive designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, and has spoken at many health-care conferences, and is a mentor to many in the field. She is fluently bilingual.
Dr. Fraser is Michael Garron Hospital's (MGH) chief of staff as well as director of the Provincial Weaning Centre of Excellence and a lecturer in the division of respirology, faculty of medicine, University of Toronto. He is the former chief and program medical director of medicine. Since joining MGH in 1988, Dr. Fraser has led clinical and research initiatives in quality of care improvement and inter-professional care. He has also been involved in the development of a Canadian community of excellence in prolonged/long-term ventilation (CANuVENT) at a regional, provincial and national level. His current area of interest is collaborative, innovative quality improvement and education in patient safety in the community teaching hospital setting.
Mark Fam, MHA, is the Vice President of Programs at Michael Garron Hospital, a part of the Toronto East Health Network. Mark is responsible for clinical programs at the organization, including Emergency, Medicine, Critical Care, Surgery, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Complex Continuing Care, Rehabilitation, Family and Community Medicine, and Mental Health Services.
A Certified Health Executive, Mark has a broad base of industry knowledge based on his close to 20 years working across the health care system. In support of his provincial agency, hospital and consulting work, Mark demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the health care industry as a Certified Health Executive through his active participation in the Canadian College of Health Services Leaders. Mark also contributes to new learners in the health system through regular coaching and mentoring, and through his work as a Lecturer in both the Rotman School of Management, and the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, at the University of Toronto.
Wolf Klassen has been with Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) since 1995 and in his current role is responsible for a variety of areas including academic affiliations and research, corporate communications, planning and partnerships, diagnostic imaging, human resources and organizational wellness, laboratory medicine, pharmacy, quality and organizational safety and volunteers. Prior to this, his roles at community and teaching hospitals have included vice president of patient services, director of corporate services and strategic initiatives, program director for mental health services, manager for the department of medicine and risk manager. He has a bachelor of commerce degree and a master of health science in health administration from the University of Toronto. He is a certified health executive with the Canadian College of Health Service Executive and has completed the Rotman School of Management executive program in understanding the new world of health care. Wolf is a tutor at the University of Toronto, department of health policy, management and evaluation and a volunteer board member of several community organizations.
As Vice President Patient Experience, Chief Nursing Executive & Health Professions at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), Irene Andress brings over 25 years of experience in progressive, operational management and leadership roles across the continuum of care including in public health, maternal newborn care, medicine and emergency services, interprofessional practice and organizational learning. A dynamic and visionary leader, Irene is focused on developing and leading people to realize outstanding personal and professional results. She is a founding member of MGH’s “Social C-Suite” and has shared her experience, expertise and knowledge of the use of social media and digital technology in leadership and clinical circles. Irene holds a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Ryerson University, a Master of Nursing degree from University of Toronto and is a graduate of the Rotman School of Management Advanced Health Care Leadership Program. Irene is also a certified Emotional Intelligence Trainer and is recognized as an extraordinary leader with a passion for transformation, partnership and outcomes achievement. Irene has been the Toronto East Health Network executive lead for Workplace Violence Prevention since 2016, is currently co-chairing the WVP committee and is recognized as a thought leader in this area of workplace quality and safety. Follow her on Twitter @IreneAndress
In Sarah Chow’s role she is responsible for finance, information technology, decision support, health records and support services including supply chain, housekeeping, maintenance, security, and food services. Sarah joined Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) in 2016. Prior to joining MGH, Sarah was vice president of finance & chief financial officer at St. Michael’s Hospital for 15 years. Sarah has also held senior roles at Princess Margaret Hospital/UHN and Ernst & Young. Sarah volunteers her time on the board of Medbuy Corporation. Sarah is a chartered professional accountant (CPA), chartered accountant (CA) and chartered director.
Mitze Mourinho is an accomplished fundraising executive with more than 20 years of healthcare fundraising experience. Mitze is a strategic leader with a strong record of success in building long-term relationships with donors and volunteers. Before coming to MGH, Mitze spent close to 17 years with St. Michael's Hospital Foundation, most recently holding the position of vice-president, major gifts and planned giving. She played a pivotal role in the hospital's successful capital campaigns and in securing the hospital's largest individual and corporate gifts. Prior to joining St. Michael's Foundation, Mitze was manager, development at Wellesley Hospital. Mitze is passionate about healthcare fundraising and, in 2013, earned the designation of fellow from the Association of Healthcare Professionals. This professional distinction recognizes dedication, continual advancement and demonstrated commitment to ethical standards of professional practice in healthcare resource development. Mitze is one of only 20 Canadians to hold this professional designation.