Beyond their practice

Drs. Stephen and Monique Fitch never expected to find love in a physiology class lab.

Good chemistry

Drs. Stephen and Monique Fitch never expected to find love in a physiology class lab. It was all thanks to good timing that the two were enrolled in the same course at McGill University in 1972. Stephen, taking a course for his master’s degree in neurophysiology, and Monique, in the final year of her bachelor’s of science degree, may have never crossed paths if they weren’t assigned as lab partners. Fast forward 52 years later—and never spending more than a few weeks apart—the Fitches are proud parents, grandparents, retired dental professionals, and long-time donors to Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH).

Dentistry wasn't something Stephen had initially considered—it was Monique's suggestion that made him seriously contemplate pursuing the profession. At this time, Monique was dealing with a challenge of her own. She was on track to become a pharmacist—a career seemingly perfect due to her passion for science and interacting with people. After a required pharmacy rotation, she quickly realized she wanted to pursue a different profession with more patient involvement.

Contemplating her next steps, Monique considered applying to dentistry, too. Stephen was deep into his first year and she was exposed to his coursework. She was taken aback by the beautiful, detailed anatomy drawings and challenging yet fascinating science courses. Monique applied to McGill’s dental program one year after Stephen and never looked back. “I’m very glad I did it,” affirms Monique. “And honestly, I was a very happy dentist.”

After dental school, both Stephen and Monique went on to practice in different areas of dentistry. Stephen became an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, treating patients who had disease or trauma that required surgery on their teeth, jaws, or oral cavities. Monique became a periodontist, focused on the treatment of gum disease and the prevention of tooth loss. Over the years, they both expanded their respective practices to include replacing teeth through the utilization of dental implants.

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Here from the start

Together, Stephen and Monique developed their careers while getting married and growing their family. Their studies and work had them move several times during those years, from Montreal to the east coast in Halifax for post-graduate training. In 1986, they lay down roots in an up-and-coming town, Unionville, with their three children, Gregory, Jeffrey, and Stephanie. Working close to home was important to the couple, which is why Monique decided to open her specialty practice less than one kilometre from their home.

“I always wanted to be close to my practice,” says Monique. “Being a professional woman and raising three children, I wanted to use my time efficiently.”

By 1989, Stephen was a member of the Markham Medical Association. This was around the same time the construction of MSH began, and shortly after Stephen found himself hired as the first oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the hospital.

“It was a very small group, it was exciting,” explains Stephen, reminiscing about MSH’s early days. “The nice thing about the hospital being small was everyone knew everyone.”

The two found a way to integrate their work and personal lives, and strived to be leaders in dentistry in the community. Stephen treated patients in the hospital’s operating rooms and provided on call services for the Emergency Department. Monique was an avid runner and frequently entered the MSH’s running fundraiser events. Over the years, they also participated in various local recreational teams of slow pitch baseball, hockey, and bocci.

Stephen and Monique consider themselves lucky in regard to their health, only requiring a few outpatient procedures at the hospital over the years. They have many happy memories as a family at MSH—four of their seven grandchildren were born there.

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We feel the only way to exist as a community is if we contribute at all levels, volunteering and financial support.

Dr. Stephen Fitch

A lifetime of giving back

Stephen wanted to give back to the community and in 2016, he joined the hospital’s board of directors as a non-voting community member. In 2018, he officially joined the board of directors and served until his retirement in 2023.

It was a life-long goal of both Monique and Stephen to support the organizations closest to them. After decades of involvement, it only felt right to give back to MSH and the community in as many ways as they could.

“Being involved in the community for years, we felt like we needed to strengthen our commitment to the hospital by making a donation,” comments Monique. “It was a box we ticked and feel grateful we are at a point in our lives where we can give back.”

Over the years, the Fitches have supported MSH Foundation by attending countless galas, charity runs, and fashion shows. Memories of these events are fond for the Fitches, with a favourite being the year Stephen successfully bid for the live auction grand prize—a golf getaway to experience some of Ontario’s most prestigious courses.

As steadfast donors of MSH Foundation, their inspiration for giving back is simple—they want to know that their support is making a difference.

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Investing in MSH

The Fitches now spend their time retired, and of course, still doing absolutely everything together. They have big hopes for MSH and acknowledge that the changing landscape of health care will bring new challenges that will need to be addressed as a community.

“There’s no clear path to a solution. We must think outside the box,” says Monique. “The community is growing so quickly, and we don’t have the infrastructure for the growth. It’s a challenge to find the necessary resources.”

Understanding that our community hospital can only continue to deliver the best patient outcomes possible with generous community support is why the Fitches have made their own investment to the hospital’s surgical services. Through MSH Foundation, they have generously donated towards surgical equipment and the addition of a new operating room, expected to be completed in winter 2024/2025.

“We feel the only way to exist as a community is if we contribute at all levels, volunteering and financial support. The government does not pay for the hospital in its entirety—we as members of the community need to donate to it for its continued existence,” adds Stephen.

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