Michael Varenbut MD, CCFP, FCFP
Empowering Health Through Care
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About Dr. Michael Varenbut
My Story
For Michael, the best part about working in healthcare is getting to see his patients improve and regain their health stability, a journey that affects the individual patient, but also everyone else in their life. From the onset of his career, Michael has enjoyed being able to help others and create clinics and other operations that can help provide treatments to under-serviced communities, especially when it comes to those dealing with mental health and addiction issues. Michael's career in healthcare began in 1985 when he started at the University of Toronto to study Biology. He graduated two years later in 1987 with honors and his Bachelor of Science in Biology. Immediately after earning his undergraduate degree, Michael returned to the University of Toronto where he earned his Doctor of Medicine with Honours in 1991. From there, Michael’s educational career continued throughout most of his life. He underwent Sleep Medicine Specialty training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York & at the Stanford University School of Sleep Medicine in 2000. In 2002 he was certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine in addiction medicine, which he recertified in 2012. Throughout the years, he’s earned numerous certifications and fellowships, as he’s worked to expand his expertise and stay up to date with everything that’s happening in the healthcare sector.
Michael Varenbut has contributed to a significant body of scholarly work in three primary areas: Addiction Medicine, Sleep Medicine, and Primary Care. He has more than 48 publications to his name placed in journals and periodicals like The Canadian Journal of Addiction and The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. As well, Michael was the founding editor for the Canadian Journal of Addiction (CJA). He has also held a number of leadership roles in the community as well, serving on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine.
Alongside his career as a medical professional, Michael Varenbut has contributed greatly in an academic sense to the community as well. He’s taught in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto for 13 years, where he also worked as a mentor in the Family Medicine Mentorship Program. Michael has received great acclaim for his work in academia, receiving the Teaching Award from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine for the Peters-Boyd Academy in 2003 and 2010 and being nominated in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011.
Michael’s vision of the future of healthcare is simple: He hopes for a world where we ensure unencumbered access to everyone, regardless of financial ability, race, or health, to world-class, best in practice healthcare services. He also hopes to see a push towards preventative medicine as a standard, where instead of treating diseases after they arise, we strive to avoid the disease altogether in the first place by promoting an overall healthy lifestyle.
Education
University of Toronto
Bachelor of Science, Biology 1985
Doctor of Medicine, 1987-1991
Family Medicine Residency 1991-1993
Michael Varenbut attended the University of Toronto from 1985 to 1987 where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with honors. After completing his undergraduate degree, he immediately returned to school to earn his Doctor of Medicine, also with honors, and then subsequently completing Residency in Family Medicine at University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Hospital.
Certifications & Memberships
- Certified in Family & Community Medicine
- Fellow of the Canadian College of Family Physicians
- Diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine
- Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
- Certified in Addiction Medicine by the Canadian & American Societies of Addiction Medicine
- Medical Review Officer
- Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine
- Certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM)
- Fellow of the International Society of Addiction Medicine (FISAM)
Past Academic Positions
University of Toronto
Faculty of Medicine, Assistant Professor
July 2005 – June 2013
From July 2005 to June 2013, Michael Varenbut served in a part time educational capacity at the University of Toronto where he instructed formative medical students during their early years.
University of Toronto
Faculty of Medicine, Lecturer
July 2000 – June 2005
Michael Varenbut served as a lecturer for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto from July 2000 to June 2005.
Southlake Regional Health Centre
Active Staff, Family Medicine
1993 – 2007
Active Staff, Emergency Medicine
1993 – 1997
Community / Courtesy Staff
1997 – 2014
Mackenzie Health
Active Staff, Family Medicine
1996 – Present
Honors
- Teaching Award recipient – University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Peters-Boyd Academy: 2003 & 2010
- Nominated for teaching award – Peters-Boyd Academy: 2004, 2007, 2008, 2011
- More than 48 peer-reviewed publications since 2002
Local Hospitals
Mackenzie Health
Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital Site
10 Trench Street, Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 4Z3
Phone: 905-883-1212
Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital Site
3200 Major Mackenzie Dr W, Vaughan, ON, L6A 4Z3
Phone: 905-417-2000
https://www.mackenziehealth.ca/
Southlake Regional Health Centre
Markham Stouffville Hospital (Oak Valley Health)
381 Church Street, Markham, ON L3P 7P3
(905) 472-7373
https://www.oakvalleyhealth.ca/our-hospitals/markham-stouffville-hospital/