Decades ago, Denis MacDougall
made a personal commitment
to his health—regular runs,
nutritious food, and a focus on
staying fit well into retirement.
By all accounts, he was ready to
enjoy his “third act” with energy
to spare. But life had other plans.

Eight years ago, Denis’s world changed
during a routine coffee chat with a close
physician friend. His right leg began to
give out, and even holding a fork became
difficult. His friend, sensing the gravity
of the situation, urged him to get to the
hospital immediately.

Denis spent over 40 years working in health care, including as acting CEO of Peel Memorial, so he was well aware of the excellent care Osler provides—but he never imagined he’d be the one needing it. Living in Brampton, he felt fortunate to have Osler’s world-class care close to home. His gratitude deepened when an ultrasound revealed a shocking 95 per cent blockage in his carotid artery. Just three days later, he was in surgery.

Reflecting on his care, Denis vividly remembers his surgeon’s words: “I’ll treat you like my own father.” And he did. Denis received compassionate, expert care from every member of Osler’s team, leaving him grateful and deeply moved. Denis’s health journey didn’t end there. He was later diagnosed with an irregular heart rhythm, which Osler’s skilled cardiac team monitors closely with annual tests.

Two years ago, when Denis began experiencing shortness of breath, the team detected another life-threatening condition: a large blockage known as a “widow maker.” Once again, Osler’s quick response and expert care saved his life, leading to double bypass surgery and the placement of a pacemaker. Osler has played a crucial role in Denis’s journey, allowing him to spend more time with his loved ones and live life to the fullest.

“I’m grateful beyond words,” Denis says. “Osler gave me my life back.”

Denis’s experience is a testament to Osler’s exceptional cardiac program, which serves a population at higher-than-average risk of heart disease. Osler treats more than double the number of cardiac arrests compared to neighbouring hospitals, handling 14 per cent of the province’s cardiac arrest patients, despite representing only six per cent of the population.

With a cardiac team that performs over 2,000 angioplasties and 4,000 angiograms annually, Osler has built one of the busiest and most efficient cardiac departments in Ontario. In just 40 minutes from arrival, Osler’s cardiac team can clear a blockage— well below the provincial standard of 90 minutes.

Today, even in retirement, Denis continues to spend time at Osler, now as a volunteer at Peel Memorial. He greets patients and families with the same compassion and care that saved his life, seeing firsthand the difference Osler makes in the lives of so many. As Brampton continues to grow, Osler’s cardiac team is working tirelessly to meet the increasing demand and a third Cath Lab is in the works—an essential addition that will allow the team to perform more life-saving procedures and handle the growing number of complex cases. The third Cath Lab will reduce the need to reschedule elective surgeries, ensuring patients receive care quickly, and help Osler continue its exceptional cardiac care for a rapidly expanding community. For Denis, Osler is more than just a hospital—it’s a lifeline, a place where world-class care meets community need. With the development of Brampton’s second hospital and the fundraising efforts to build a third Cath Lab, Osler is taking crucial steps to ensure that more lives will be saved, and that patients like Denis can continue living their lives to the fullest.