Job title:
Medical Officer of Health
Company
Job description
The City of Toronto is seeking a dynamic and visionary Medical Officer of Health to play a crucial role
and guide the Toronto Public Health organiza on into a future where all people can be healthy and
thrive. Repor ng to the Board of Health and in coordina on with the Deputy City Manager, the Medical
Officer of Health will be at the forefront of shaping innova ve public health strategies that address both
emerging and long-standing health challenges, with a focus on promo ng equity, resilience, and
community well-being.
The City of Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable ci es. As
the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million residents whose
diversity and experiences strengthen our great city. Toronto is an interna onal leader in technology,
finance, film, music, culture, and innova on. Toronto consistently places at the top of interna onal
rankings due in part to investments championed by residents and businesses, and in turn led by Toronto
City Council and carried out through the work of the Toronto Public Service.
Toronto Public Health
Toronto Public Health (TPH) reports to the Board of Health and is responsible for the health and well-
being to more than 2.9 million residents, striving to reduce health inequali es and improve the health of
the en re popula on by delivering services that meet community health needs, comply with Ontario
Public Health Standards, and make wise use of human and financial resources. Today, TPH is the largest
public health unit in Canada and the 5th largest in North America with over 1,800 employees.
Key Responsibili es
In this role, you will be responsible for advancing Toronto Public Health’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028,
which is centered on strengthening health protec on, promo ng mental health, and advancing health
equity across the city’s diverse popula on. This is a unique opportunity to lead in a city that is a global
leader in public health, technology, and cultural innova on.The Medical Officer of Health will focus on several key priori es to ensure success in the coming months
and years. Central to this will be building and managing rela onships, both internally within the poli cal
and bureaucra c systems-including the City Manager, Deputy City Managers, and Division Heads-and
externally with a wide range of stakeholders. Effec ve budget and financial resource management will
also be crucial, par cularly in a period of fiscal constraint.
In addi on to these responsibili es, maintaining strong rela onships with all Board members will be
vital. Understanding their perspec ves, keeping them informed, and helping them understand the
significance of strategic and policy ini a ves will be essen al for collabora ve progress. The new leader
will also need to establish their own brand, becoming a sought-a er voice on various ini a ves while
naviga ng and leveraging the City’s administra ve system to work effec vely within it.A key priority will be implemen ng the current strategic plan while remaining responsive to community
needs and effec vely managing the budget in a period of fiscal constraint. Building strong connec ons
with Public Health Ontario, leaders across the health sector, and provincial/na onal counterparts will be
impera ve. Engaging with both external and internal partners on health and non-health-related issues
will help posi on Toronto Public Health (TPH) as a central player in city development.
Equally important will be fostering a cohesive team, ensuring efficient opera ons, and maintaining high
staff sa sfac on, engagement, and performance. Succession planning for key leadership roles within the
organiza on will also be cri cal. Addressing and advancing priority policy and program areas-such as
social determinants of health, income inequality, poverty reduc on, climate change, Indigenous health,
marijuana regula on, substance use and harm reduc on (including but not limited to safe injec on
sites), student nutri on, toxins, air quality, healthy living, seniors’ health, chronic disease, mental health,
infec ous diseases, and health equity-will require dedicated a en on. Finally, garnering posi ve media
a en on, effec vely communica ng and promo ng TPH’s work, and maintaining or increasing TPH’s
reputa on with the ci zens of Toronto, the Province, and na onally will be crucial for overall success.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate for this role is a visionary leader and strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced,
complex environment. They are:
- An Excellent Communicator: Able to ar culate a compelling vision and engage diverse
audiences, from government officials to community members.
- A Rela onship Builder: Skilled at fostering strong, collabora ve rela onships across sectors, with
a deep commitment to community engagement.
- Calm in the Storm: Demonstrates resilience and adaptability, capable of leading through crises
with clarity and compassion.
- Innova ve and Forward-Thinking: Always looking ahead to an cipate public health challenges
and proac vely develop solu ons that enhance community well-being.
- Equity-Driven: Passionate about reducing health dispari es and improving outcomes for all
Torontonians, especially those in equity-deserving groups.
- Ethical and Empathe c: Upholds the highest standards of integrity and demonstrates a deep
empathy for the popula ons served.
- Effec ve with Finance and Budgets: Manages the budget, par cularly during periods of fiscal
constraint, ensuring that financial resources are allocated efficiently and aligned with strategic
priori es.Qualifica ons
- Academic Requirements (Required by the HPPA): A cer ficate, diploma or degree from a
university in Canada that is granted a er not less than one academic year of full me post
graduate studies or its equivalent in public health comprising, epidemiology, quan ta ve
methods, management and administra on, and disease preven on and health promo on.
o OR a qualifica on from a university outside Canada that is considered by the Minister to
be equivalent to the qualifica ons set out in clause (b) of the HPPA.
- License and Qualifica ons (Required by the HPPA): A license to prac ce medicine from the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) with a minimum of five years as a
physician, and a Fellowship in Public Health and Preven ve Medicine from the Royal College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
- Extensive Public Health Experience: A proven track record in public health leadership, with
significant experience managing complex public health programs and ini a ves.
- Strategic Acumen: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute innova ve public health
strategies that address both current and emerging health challenges.
- Legisla ve Knowledge: Deep understanding of relevant legisla on, public health standards, and
best prac ces.To apply to this execu ve leadership posi on with Toronto Public Health, submit your applica on to
Expected salary
Location
Toronto, ON
Job date
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 02:28:00 GMT
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