After Years of Interim: Dr. Suttorp Takes Permanent Helm as Alberta's Top Doc
The Gist
Calgarians, mark your calendars! After a lengthy period of interim leadership, Alberta finally has a permanent Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH). Dr. Vivien Suttorp, previously the lead medical health officer for Alberta's South Zone, has officially stepped into the role. Health Minister Adriana LaGrange made the announcement on December 18, 2025, ending the longest stretch without a permanent CMOH since Dr. Deena Hinshaw's departure in 2022.
Impact on Calgarians
Why does a permanent CMOH matter to you, whether you're battling Deerfoot traffic or navigating school pickups in Ward 11? The stability and consistent leadership provided by a permanent Chief Medical Officer of Health are crucial for public health, directly impacting the well-being of every Calgarian. We’ve seen firsthand the real-world consequences of a lack of consistent direction. As of September 6, 2025, Alberta grappled with a staggering 1,857 confirmed measles cases, giving us the unenviable distinction of having the highest per capita rate of measles in North America – surpassing the total reported cases in the entire United States. This public health crisis unfolded while our province was relying on interim leadership, and it coincided with a worrying drop in vaccination rates to 72%, far below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity to protect our most vulnerable. A steady hand at the helm means clearer communication, more robust public health strategies, and hopefully, a swifter response to prevent such widespread outbreaks from impacting our families and our healthcare system again.
The Reality Check
Let's talk about the journey to this appointment. The last time Alberta had a permanent Chief Medical Officer of Health was before November 14, 2022, when Premier Danielle Smith dismissed Dr. Deena Hinshaw from the role. Since then, it's been a game of musical chairs in the CMOH office. Dr. Mark Joffe bravely served as the interim Chief Medical Officer of Health from November 14, 2022, until his contract concluded on April 14, 2025. Following Dr. Joffe's departure, Dr. Sunil Sookram was temporarily appointed to the role, holding the fort as the province continued its search. The provincial government, under the Alberta Public Health Act, is responsible for this crucial appointment, and the prolonged interim period has certainly been a talking point across our city and province.
The Flip Side
Even those typically quick to critique the current government are offering praise. Sharif Haji, Alberta's New Democrat Shadow Minister for Primary and Preventative Health Services, voiced his approval, stating, "I am happy to finally see the permanent appointment of Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health. Dr. Vivien Suttorp is a strong choice and is an expert in public health, preventive care, and community medicine." While the NDP had previously criticized the government for the prolonged lack of a permanent CMOH, citing that healthcare had suffered, Haji emphasized the critical need for Premier Smith and the UCP government to "fully support Dr. Suttorp and the crucial work public health does to protect the health and well-being of Albertans." It seems there's a consensus across the political spectrum that this stability is long overdue.
The Bottom Line
For Calgarians, Dr. Suttorp's permanent appointment signals a welcome return to stability and dedicated leadership in public health. With her expertise, particularly from her time leading the South Zone, there's hope for a more consistent and proactive approach to public health challenges. This isn't just about a name on an organizational chart; it's about ensuring our city and province have the focused guidance needed to navigate future health crises, safeguard vaccination rates, and ultimately, protect the health of everyone from the foothills to The Bow.
