Alberta Appoints Dr. Vivien Suttorp as Permanent Chief Medical Officer

Alberta has appointed Dr. Vivien Suttorp as its new permanent Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH), marking the first permanent appointment to this position since the dismissal of Dr. Deena Hinshaw in May 2022. This decision was announced on Thursday following what officials described as an “extensive search” for a candidate to fill the role. Dr. Suttorp succeeds Dr. Sunil Sookram, who served as interim CMOH since April 2023 after the province declined to renew Dr. Mark Joffe’s contract.

Dr. Joffe had taken on the interim role after Dr. Hinshaw was removed from her position, a move that came amid public scrutiny regarding Alberta’s vaccination strategies during a measles outbreak. Dr. Sookram’s appointment followed the government’s decision to replace Joffe shortly before his interim term ended.

Dr. Suttorp brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked for over 25 years in public health, preventative, and community medicine in both rural and urban environments. For the past 17 years, she has served as the lead medical officer of health for the South Zone, a position from which she issued a blanket measles exposure advisory in May 2023. Her experience includes overseeing public health initiatives, workplace health and safety, and infection prevention and control.

In her statement following the announcement, Dr. Suttorp expressed her commitment to enhancing Alberta’s public health system. “I am honoured to accept the role of Chief Medical Officer of Health for Alberta to support efforts to promote a strong public health system in the province and improve the overall health and well-being of Albertans,” she said. “I look forward to helping ensure the public health care needs of communities across Alberta are met.”

The transition in leadership comes at a critical time for Alberta, as the province continues to address various public health challenges. Dr. Suttorp’s extensive background and leadership experience will be essential as Alberta navigates ongoing health issues and seeks to strengthen its public health response.

The appointment of Dr. Suttorp signals a new chapter for Alberta’s public health system, with a focus on building trust and ensuring effective communication with the community. Her leadership will be crucial in guiding the province through the complexities of public health management and responding to the needs of its residents in the years ahead.