The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has appointed Dr. Lisa Simon as the next Medical Officer of Health and CEO, pending approval by the Minister of Health and Ontario Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones.
Dr. Simon will assume the roles on October 1, following the retirement of current MOH Dr. Charles Gardner at the end of September. Dr. Gardner has served in that position since 2005.
“I’m very excited to be taking on the role of the next MOH and CEO for SMDHU,” said Dr. Simon. “I am passionate about working in partnership with communities to help improve health and wellbeing, and I look forward to leading SMDHU’s skilled and committed team towards that goal.”
“This appointment marks a significant milestone and a promise of continued strength and excellence in our service to community,” said Ann-Marie Kungl, Chair of the Board of Health. “The Board has the utmost confidence in Dr. Simon and we are positioned for an effective leadership transition this fall that maintains the health unit’s legacy of excellence. Dr. Simon’s expertise, integrity and passion for health equity will contribute to the ongoing delivery of trusted, responsive, and impactful service across our region.”
Dr. Simon has been with the SMDHU since 2012, when she joined as an Associate Medical Officer of Health (AMOH). Her primary responsibilities have included medical leadership for the unit's strategic direction on substance use prevention and harm reduction, planning and engagement efforts for the COVID-19 pandemic response, and more.
She has worked in clinical and public health capacities with diverse communities across Canada and internationally, and currently serves as a faculty member of the Public Health and Preventive Medicine residency program at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
