Staff Profile: Michele Vanderspank

The Department of Family Medicine would like to introduce Michele Vanderspank, our Undergraduate Program Coordinator. 

1. What do you most enjoy about your role in the Department?

I have loved working as the Undergraduate Program Coordinator for a large majority of my career thus far. The part I enjoy the most about this job is knowing that I have a role in helping students to realize their dream of becoming a Doctor. I love working directly with students to find the best rotation/community that will align with the learning experiences they are hoping for. The satisfaction and feeling of pride I get when a student sincerely thanks me for taking the time to work with them, is so rewarding.

I have met and worked with so many wonderful people in this role. I love interacting with others and this role has allowed me to connect with so many people, on all different levels. From students, staff and co-workers, to family physicians in the community, and even local politicians. I have learned so much about our healthcare system, and I am glad that I am able to play a (small) part in the larger picture of our provincial healthcare. I am excited to continue to meet and interact more with our rural community partners and do what I can to help ensure our rural communities are supported.

2. What has been your most memorable experience while working in the Department?

Recently I was able to attend a conference in Sarnia with our Distributed Education Team. This was such a great experience. Being able to meet face to face with a number of people whom I interact with on a regular basis through email, the knowledge exchange that took place and the re-energization I felt leaving the conference, were amazing. In a role like this, it is easy to get bogged down in the day to day business of it, but being able to remember the larger picture, that we’re working toward a better future healthcare system, helps to keep the focus on what is important. 

3. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Of course, I’ll have to say, my children. I have two daughters, McKinley who is almost 4, and Presley who just turned 1. Being a mom has been the most challenging and rewarding part of my life thus far. Setting a good, strong example for my girls is so important to me. I want them to know that they can do anything, and in order to teach them that, I have to believe the same about myself.

4. What do you like to do outside of work, and how do you enjoy spending your free time?

I have a love for crafting, creating and building things. I like to refinish furniture, make decorative items for my home and play with my Cricut to make a wide variety of things. I’ve always loved playing sports. In the winter I organize a women’s volleyball team and in the summer I play baseball and I love to golf. My golf game has been on the back burner the past few years, but I am getting fitted for a new set of clubs in February and I’m excited to get out on the course a lot more this summer. I have always loved to read, but don’t find as much time for that anymore. I spend most of my time with my girls, watching them grow and learning so much from them.