logo
Michelle Murti appointed Toronto's new medical officer of health

Michelle Murti appointed Toronto's new medical officer of health

CBC23-07-2025
Michelle Murti has been appointed Toronto's new medical officer of health, after city council's approval.
Her start on Sept. 3 is subject to the approval of the province's Ministry of Health.
Dr. Murti currently serves as associate chief medical officer of health for Ontario.
"She has played a pivotal role in pandemic preparedness, emergency response and health system transformation," the city said in a news release Wednesday.
Dr. Murti has a medical degree, a public health Master's degree and is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in public health and preventive medicine.
She is also licensed in family medicine and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
"Under Dr. Murti's leadership, Toronto Public Health will continue to build on its legacy of innovation, resilience and impact as one of Canada's leading local public health agencies," the city said.
Dr. Murti says she is honoured to be taking on this role.
"I look forward to working alongside the incredible Toronto Public Health staff and with community and city partners to protect and improve health, reduce health inequities and make Toronto a healthy and resilient place where we can all live, work and play," she said in the release.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said this move is a step forward.
"I am confident that Dr. Murti is well-prepared to take on the top leadership role for Toronto Public Health in its service to our residents," she said in the release.
Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey will continue to serve as Toronto's acting medical officer of health until Sept. 2.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

First human case of West Nile virus this year confirmed in Toronto, PHAC says
First human case of West Nile virus this year confirmed in Toronto, PHAC says

Globe and Mail

time2 hours ago

  • Globe and Mail

First human case of West Nile virus this year confirmed in Toronto, PHAC says

The Public Health Agency of Canada says this year's first human case of West Nile virus acquired within the country has been confirmed in Toronto. The confirmation comes after Toronto Public Health said its first laboratory-confirmed case of the virus in 2025 is an adult resident of the city with no travel history. The virus is transmitted to humans through infected mosquitoes. PHAC's West Nile surveillance report says that as of July 12, two other Canadian residents were infected this year while travelling outside of the country. Its surveillance map shows West Nile detections in two mosquito pools in Ontario and one in Manitoba as of that date. Toronto Public Health says symptoms usually begin between two to 14 days after a mosquito bite and can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, skin rash, swollen lymph glands or a stiff neck. It says older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. People can prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites – wear light-coloured long sleeves and long pants, use Health Canada-approved insect repellent, put tight-fitting screens on all windows and get rid of standing water in buckets, planters, pool covers and other containers to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

New study shows fewer Quebecers have access to family doctors
New study shows fewer Quebecers have access to family doctors

CTV News

time3 hours ago

  • CTV News

New study shows fewer Quebecers have access to family doctors

A growing number of Quebecers are finding themselves without a family doctor, according to recent numbers from the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ). According to the agency, the percentage of residents with a family doctor has dropped from 82 per cent in 2019 to 72 per cent in 2024. Montrealer Dominick Mikkelson lost his family doctor two years ago when they switched to private practice. 'So unless I want to pay private fees, I'm left without a family doctor,' he said. 'It's been frustrating.' Situation is 'unconscionable' Dr. Michael Kalin, a Montreal-based family physician, called the situation 'unconscionable.' 'Well, if we have 750,000 Montrealers without access to family medicine right now, we need 480 family doctors,' he said. '[Assuming] that each of these new family doctors will take 1,500 patients.' The ISQ point to several reasons for the decline. For one, many doctors are retiring and newer doctors are choosing to take on fewer patients. Dr. Kalin says one major reason is that family doctors are required to split their time between different responsibilities, including working at the hospital and long-term care facilities. 'Family doctors are not spending five days of the week working in community practice,' he explained. 'They have to balance that, and this is why they can't take on that huge load of the larger practices.' Patients who are followed by a team of doctors rather than a single doctor are not included in the official count. The ISQ also states this as one of the reasons for the decline. Calls for accountability Patients' rights advocate Paul Brunet says accountability is lacking. 'I'm fed up with this. I just want more accountability. If you don't do the job and you don't get the results that we need everyone to get, well, there's going to be consequences,' said Brunet. Dr. Kalin believes the system itself is preventing progress. 'We put in place this ridiculous system that allows the government to determine the number of doctors where they can practice and their movement, and this discourages young doctors,' said Dr. Kalin. In a statement to CTV News, Quebec's Health Ministry wrote, 'The numbers are clear: too many Quebec patients still can't get an appointment when they need one. We can no longer continue with the current model. That's why we will continue to make the necessary changes to improve access to care for all patients, with the aim of ensuring that all Quebec patients are taken care of.' As for Mikkelson, who is Indigenous, he's now turning to an alternative source of care. He has been going to the Indigenous Health Centre of Tiohtia:ke for his health needs and is planning to become an official patient there. 'That is something that I am looking into,' said Mikkelson.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store