Michael Varenbut MD, CCFP, FCFP
Empowering Health Through Care
Discover the tools and resources you need to live your healthiest life.
About Dr. Michael Varenbut
My Story
For me, medicine has never just been a career—it’s been a lifelong commitment to helping people heal, recover, and thrive. What inspires me most is seeing my patients regain their health and confidence, and witnessing how those moments of recovery ripple outward to touch families, friends, and entire communities.
From the very beginning of my medical journey, I have been driven by a desire to make care more accessible, especially for individuals struggling with mental health and addiction. I’ve dedicated much of my career to building clinics and programs that reach underserved populations, ensuring that every patient—no matter their background—has the opportunity to receive compassionate, evidence-based care.
My path in medicine began at the University of Toronto, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology with Honours in 1987, followed by my Doctor of Medicine with Honours in 1991, and then completion of the Family Medicine Residency at the University of Toronto (Sunnybrook Hospital).
My passion for learning and clinical excellence has guided me ever since. I completed specialty training in Sleep Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and the Stanford University School of Sleep Medicine in 2000, and later earned certification in Addiction Medicine from the American Society of Addiction Medicine in 2002 (recertified in 2012).
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on three main areas: Addiction Medicine, Sleep Medicine, and Primary Care. I have authored more than 48 publications in respected journals such as The Canadian Journal of Addiction and The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. As founding editor of the Canadian Journal of Addiction, I helped create a platform to share new knowledge and support continuous improvement in patient care. I’ve also had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine, contributing to the advancement of standards across the field.
Teaching and mentorship have always been deeply rewarding parts of my work. For over a decade, I taught in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto and mentored medical students through the Family Medicine Mentorship Program. I’ve been honoured to receive the Faculty of Medicine Teaching Award for the Peters-Boyd Academy in 2003 and 2010, along with several nominations over the years.
Looking ahead, my vision for healthcare is simple. I hope for a system where access to high-quality care is universal—where financial barriers and social factors never stand in the way of well-being. I also believe strongly in shifting the focus toward prevention, helping patients live healthier, fuller lives long before illness ever takes hold.
Education
University of Toronto
Bachelor of Science, Biology 1985
Doctor of Medicine, 1987-1991
Family Medicine Residency 1991-1993
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)
- Lifetime Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine.
Academic Positions
University of Toronto
Faculty of Medicine, Assistant Professor
July 2005 – June 2013
University of Toronto
Faculty of Medicine, Lecturer
July 2000 – June 2005
Mackenzie Health
Active Staff, Family Medicine
1996 – Present
Southlake Regional Health Centre
Active Staff, Family Medicine
1993 – 2007
Active Staff, Emergency Medicine
1993 – 1997
Community / Courtesy Staff
1997 – 2014
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/