Humans of DFCM – Michelle Ataides Leppington

Instinct has played a major role in shaping both Michelle Ataides Leppington’s work and life. As an occasional teacher for more than a decade, she’s built a career rooted in adaptability. Moving between classrooms, from kindergarten to grade eight, including supporting students with complex needs. 

“No two days are ever the same and I love that,” she shares. “It challenges me, keeps me learning and connected to people.” 

It’s also given her something she values deeply: balance. “It makes me a more resilient teacher and a present wife and mother to my three children,” she shares.  

Her journey to becoming a patient partner started with her early experiences with her family doctor.  

“My family had one family doctor growing up and delivered me and cared for my mom for over 55 years," Michelle says. "There was trust, continuity and a real sense of being known."

However, that familiarity slowly faded in her adult years. “In less than 10 years, my family went through four different family doctors,” she shares. “Not because of anything negative, just life circumstances. As a patient, you feel that disruption.” 

With two aging parents and three young children, she has seen the healthcare system from multiple perspectives. “I have witnessed the ultimate compassion and service of many dedicated healthcare professionals and have also seen the exceptions that have left me and my loved ones feeling unheard, uncared for and craving change,” she says.  

A simple opportunity to provide feedback became a turning point. After completing a patient experience survey at her family’s clinic, she was invited to speak further about her responses.  

“I had a phone call with Dana Arafeh, the patient and family engagement specialist at DFCM,” Michelle says. “I knew she was genuinely passionate about improving our healthcare system." What stood out to her during that call was how she felt heard, validated and respected.

That conversation opened the door for deeper involvement and when the opportunity arose to join the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) as a patient partner, she didn’t hesitate. “It felt like a natural next step,” she explains. “I wanted to be part of something that was actively working toward improving the system.” 

Over the past four years, she has been involved in a wide range of initiatives, giving her new opportunities to learn and contribute. Her work has involved helping to shape and define the role of a resident, reviewing clinic and academic materials, contributing to reports, participating in research discussions and presenting at conferences alongside other patient partners and healthcare professionals.

“Finding this community of like-minded people who come from such a variety of backgrounds has given me so many rich learning opportunities,” she shares. “The projects and initiatives that DFCM are involved with are fascinating and inspire me to continue to share my voice because I know somebody is listening.”  

Each experience has deepened her understanding of the system and reinforced her sense of purpose within it. One moment that stands out as particularly impactful is the Patients’ Voice Conference in Vancouver. "[It] was an incredible experience and reminded me that there is a strong and growing movement toward more inclusive, patient-informed care," she says. 

For Michelle, being a patient partner has been both meaningful and transformative, while also fostering a strong sense of community. “The talented and highly skilled Dana, Dr. Melanie Henry, Dr. Noor Ramji and Amy Noise have successfully created this unique safe space where we can have this open, honest and often vulnerable dialogue, without fear of judgement or consequences,” Michelle shares.  

She aims to educate emerging family physicians and guide them toward becoming even more compassionate and empathetic healthcare providers. “I want to emphasize the profound role they play in the lives of their patients as family physicians,” she says. “We realize how challenging this vocation can be and are grateful for their commitment to primary care.” 

For those considering getting involved, Michelle’s advice is simple: go for it. “You never know how powerful your voice can be and how it can improve the lives of others,” she says. “By sharing your insights with dedicated professionals who can shape the future of family physician training, you are making a meaningful contribution. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this community.” 

If you are interested in becoming a patient partner, fill out this survey.

Humans of DFCM is a monthly news series profiling the department’s faculty, staff, and learners. If you know someone who you think should be part of this series, please email dfcm.commsasst@utoronto.ca.