Staff Spotlight
From New York City to the Sunshine Coast, an Internal Medicine Physician's experience
After completing his residency in New York City, Dr. Jesse Morantz began his career as an Internal Medicine (IM) Physician in the seaside community of Sechelt, where he has practiced over the last 14 years.
Patient care in a close-knit community
Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital, a small facility, allows Dr. Morantz to work closely with both clinical and non-clinical staff, creating a work environment that is more efficient and personable. He shares “I am extremely fortunate to be part of a small but close and supportive internal medicine group. We are continuously enlightening each other with new knowledge and smoother processes for better patient care.”
Dr. Morantz and his colleagues provide 24/7 IM coverage for the hospital. While the on-call coverage can be demanding, they rely on one another for planned and unplanned time off. “We also frequently reach out to each other for advice and support which helps when faced with the more challenging clinical situations,” he shares.
Dr. Morantz starts his day at the hospital, seeing new patients and/or rounding on those from the previous days. Afterwards, he either goes to his office in Sechelt to see outpatients or works in the hospital’s outpatient department, overseeing cardiac stress tests. “The direct patient interactions are the most rewarding part my day,” he says. “It’s about making what is often a stressful and frightening experience a little less so, and providing people with the comfort of being heard, well-informed and included in their care.”
Life on the Sunshine Coast
Wanting to live closer to his family, Dr. Morantz decided to move to B.C from New York City. “I happened to be driving through the town of Sechelt, having never been there or heard of it before, and only later found a posting on Health Match,” he recalls. “I interviewed, was accepted and immediately felt welcomed. VCH was supportive in providing financial assistance with the cost of the move.”
He lives in Gibsons, a small coastal town just about a 25-minute drive away from the hospital. “Gibsons is a great little town full of walking trails, beaches and good restaurants, cafes and pubs. There is a calmness and beauty to it that has made it an ideal place to raise a family and enjoy my time outside of work.”