Alberta government appoints new chief medical officer of health

Dr. Vivien Suttorp has been named Alberta's chief medical officer of health in Alberta.

The Alberta government has appointed a new chief medical officer of health.

Dr. Vivien Suttorp assumed the permanent role on Thursday. The Lethbridge doctor is a 25-year veteran in public health, preventive and community medicine and had worked the past 17 years as the lead medical officer of health for the South Zone.

“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,” Suttorp said in a media release.

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Suttorp takes over from Dr. Sunil Sookram, who held the position in the interim since April, after the contract of the previous chief medical officer of health, Dr. Mark Joffe, expired after nearly two-and-a-half years.

Joffe had replaced Dr. Deena Hinshaw, who held the position during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suttorp’s duties include making recommendations to promote and protect public health, responding to new and emerging health threats, overseeing several disease and health measures, and advising on the development and implementation of public health policy.