The Alberta government has appointed Dr. Vivien Suttorp as the province’s new chief medical officer of health.
Dr. Suttorp officially assumed the permanent role on Thursday. She brings 25 years of experience in public health, preventive medicine and community medicine, including the past 17 years as the lead medical officer of health for Alberta Health Services’ South Zone. Dr. Suttorp is based in Lethbridge.
In a media release, she said she is honoured to take on the position and looks forward to supporting a strong public health system in Alberta while working to improve the overall health and well-being of Albertans.
Dr. Suttorp replaces Dr. Sunil Sookram, who had been serving as interim chief medical officer of health since April, following the expiration of Dr. Mark Joffe’s contract. Joffe held the role for nearly two-and-a-half years after succeeding Dr. Deena Hinshaw, who served as Alberta’s chief medical officer of health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As chief medical officer of health, Dr. Suttorp will be responsible for advising the provincial government on public health matters, responding to emerging health threats, overseeing disease prevention and health surveillance, and providing guidance on the development and implementation of public health policy across Alberta.
