10 Questions with Michael Bachstein
From Midwest beginnings to healthcare visionary, Cape Cod Healthcare’s vice president of facilities management reflects on the opening of the Edwin Barbey Patient Care Pavilion, his career journey, passion projects and life as a movie extra.
The Edwin Barbey Patient Care Pavilion at Cape Cod Hospital is more than just a new building. It’s the result of over six years of planning, construction and vision—a massive undertaking that involved everything from major infrastructure upgrades to strategic department moves.
At the center of it all was Michael Bachstein, Cape Cod Healthcare’s vice president of facilities management.
Seeing the pavilion open its doors to patients for the first time on May 12, 2025, was a proud and emotional moment for Michael. “It was a great honor to be a part of such a foundational project—one that will support Cape Cod Hospital and the entire Cape Cod community for generations,” he says. The pavilion marked the most ambitious and complex project of his career, involving extensive underground utility work and navigating multiple phases of local, state and federal permitting. But despite the challenges, Michael credits his colleagues and the strong friendships as key sources of support. “The leadership team is very supportive of my sometimes-eclectic planning nature, but we are all striving for the betterment of taking care of our patients, staff and community.
Reflecting on his nearly 10 years with Cape Cod Healthcare, Michael adds, “As a hospital team, we have accomplished an incredible amount of advancements to our healthcare system, and I feel a great deal of pride being allowed to be a part of it.”
Before overseeing multi-million-dollar construction projects or guiding hospital infrastructure through complex regulatory landscapes, Michael spent his formative years in St. Louis, Missouri, where he loved spending time outdoors. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and spent summers as a camp counselor and lifeguard. His father was a constant source of encouragement, nurturing Michael’s love for the outdoors and guiding him toward a future in engineering. His mother also played a pivotal role, modeling strong leadership by rising through the ranks at Sears during a time when few women held corporate leadership roles.
He studied Housing Design and Urban Planning at the University of Missouri (MIZZOU), and after graduation, he landed on Nantucket and began working as a carpenter and then project manager. A mentor saw his potential and nudged him toward architecture, which led him to the Rhode Island School of Design for a Bachelor of Fine Arts and master’s degree in architecture. Later, he completed additional studies at MIT and became a certified city planner.
Over the years, Michael has held diverse roles throughout his career as a planner, licensed architect, business owner and healthcare designer. He also spent three years on the prestigious W.K. Kellogg National Leadership Fellowship, traveling the world to learn from leaders in business, education, agriculture and community development. That experience, he says, helped shape his leadership style and confidence.
Since joining Cape Cod Healthcare in 2015, Michael has applied all that experience to improving systems behind the scenes. He was promoted from executive director to vice president, now overseeing six divisions of support services. “My motivation was always to advance my education and try new things,” he says. “My background in building, licensing, permitting, capital planning and being able to plan and execute long-range projects prepared me to oversee facilities.”
Outside of work, Michael finds joy in hands-on projects and giving back to the community. He’s currently restoring an antique barn, volunteers with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society—a charitable organization focused on helping those in need—and enjoys bass fishing along the Cape Cod Canal whenever he gets the chance.
We recently caught up with Michael for a few lighter questions—from life as a movie extra to advice he would give his younger self—to get a better sense of the person behind the pavilion.
1. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I was recently selected, along with 14 other background actors, from over 350 applicants to appear in the upcoming feature film “The Weekend on Cape Cod When Everything Changed…”
It’s a romantic comedy, and I appeared in nine scenes alongside Joey Lauren Adams (“Chasing Amy,” “Big Daddy”) and Kevin Nealon (“Saturday Night Live,” “Happy Gilmore”). Acting was never something I pursued. In fact, I’d never even considered it. I came across the casting call by chance on Facebook and applied on a whim. My wife got a huge kick out of the whole thing, especially watching me pick out wardrobe options and roll in late after long days on set.
2. Favorite way to start your day?
My most favorite way would be to go bass fishing on the Cape Cod Canal, catch a keeper and have breakfast at a local diner.
3. Do you have a mantra or a quote/phrase you live by?
Hard work leads to success both in work and family.
4. What was your very first interesting job?
My most interesting job was in college working for Stan Kroenke, a real estate developer of Wal-Marts and later went on to own the St. Louis Rams, Los Angeles Rams, and the Denver Nuggets. I was a draftsperson working on new Wal-Mart sites throughout the Midwest.
Michael Bachstein, on the set of “The Weekend on Cape Cod When Everything Changed,” where he appeared as an extra.
5. What advice would you give your younger self?
Do not get thrown off by making mistakes. Mistakes are part of life that craft you into who you are.
6. Do you have a passion project and/or what brings you meaning?
My passion project is my family, my wife, Robin, and our parents. Additionally, I work with the Saint Vincent De Paul Society to bring food to the poor, provide additional assistance and support the elderly.
7. A hidden talent or unexpected interest?
I love woodworking and have an antique barn I have been working on for 10 years. It is a never-ending project which brings much joy.
8. What would you like to accomplish before the end of the year?
Climb Mount Washington.
9. What on the horizon are you most excited about?
A trip to Costa Rica.
10. Favorite sports teams?
Mizzou Tigers football and the Patriots.
