Canada's top doctor Dr. Theresa Tam steps down amid alarming health crises
Dr. Theresa Tam
,
Canada
's chief public health officer since June 2017, will be stepping down from her post on June 20, 2025, marking the end of an eight-year tenure that spanned some of the most challenging public health crises of recent memory.
A pediatric infectious diseases physician by training, Dr. Tam first joined Canada's federal public health ranks in 1998, not long after measles was officially eliminated from the country. Now, she returns to that same battlefield, observing with concern the virus's unsettling reappearance, but expresses optimism: 'I'm confident Canada can stop domestic transmission once again through immunization,' she told reporters.
Dr Tam's journey
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
You Might Want To Buy Baking Soda In Bulk After Reading This
Lintmit.com
Read More
Undo
Tam's career has been threaded through Canada's major public health emergencies. From SARS in 2003 when she served in the Immunization and Respiratory Infections Division to H1N1, Ebola, MERS, and the COVID‑19 pandemic, Tam has been both a frontline thinker and a crisis communicator.
Her leadership during COVID‑19 was marked by daily press briefings, science-led messaging, and calm reassurance, which made her a national figure.
Live Events
During a candid interview, Tam reflected on the unrelenting pressure of the pandemic: over 60,000 lives lost; polarized public debates; but also profound displays of communal solidarity. 'Mentally, it was very stressful,' she said, highlighting how provincial partners and her personal support systems helped her endure.
Her personal life and love for music
Behind the official role lies a multifaceted individual. Tam, who plays piano, violin, cello even trumpet, saw parallels between conducting an orchestra and steering an emergency response. 'I translated a lot of my musical thinking into conducting an emergency,' she told CTV and CityNews.
With no job lined up post-June 20, Tam plans to step back and regroup with family, lace up for long‑distance runs, and reconnect with her music. 'At some point in my career, I've dropped a whole bunch of them,' she said, referring to her musical passion.
In recent years, she's championed issues underscored in her 2022 annual report, including climate change, health equity, Indigenous leadership in public health, and vaccination strategy for the next decade.
The
Public Health Agency
of Canada has begun recruiting her successor.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Hong Kong medical expert recommends annual Covid-19 and flu vaccinations for high-risk groups
Professor David Hui urges annual Covid-19 and influenza vaccinations for Hong Kong's high-risk groups, citing the cyclical nature of outbreaks and the need for preventive healthcare David Hui Shu-cheong, professor of respiratory medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, has urged that vulnerable groups in Hong Kong receive Covid-19 vaccinations annually. Speaking on Saturday, June 21, Hui noted that outbreaks are expected to recur every six to nine months due to declining antibody levels in the population.'The current outbreak started in April, peaked at the end of May and is now beginning to subside,' Hui said during a radio interview. He estimated that the present wave may end by July or August. Also read: The pandemic isn't over: New COVID cases are on the rise in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and other Sout Hui emphasized that high-risk groups, including individuals with chronic illnesses, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, face greater risks of severe complications, such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, or even death, if infected. Authorities have confirmed six severe pediatric Covid-19 cases so far in 2025, with no fatalities reported. Two of the children had pre-existing conditions, and four had not received Covid-19 vaccinations. 'As a new outbreak will come back every year, I would advise the high-risk groups to get jabbed at least once every year against the infections,' Hui said. He added that because Covid-19 symptoms often resemble those of seasonal influenza, individuals showing respiratory symptoms should use rapid antigen tests immediately. Early detection allows for timely treatment, which can help prevent complications. In addition to Covid-19 vaccines, Hui recommended annual influenza vaccinations for high-risk individuals. He referenced a recent cluster of influenza A cases at a primary school in Sham Shui Po, involving 46 people, 41 male students aged 7 to 10 and five staff members. Also read: What international travellers should know amidst rising Covid-19 cases Of the infected, 41 sought medical care and three required hospitalization. All cases were mild. Hui attributed the cluster to poor ventilation and inadequate sanitation of shared classroom items.'Influenza vaccines have been used for many years with extremely low side effects, mainly minor redness and swelling at the injection site,' he said. 'Parents should arrange for their young children to receive the flu vaccines to reduce infection risks.'He warned that Hong Kong's summer flu season typically spans half the summer, usually from July to August. The vaccination rate among children aged six months to two years remains low, with only 27 per cent vaccinated. Professor David Hui of the Chinese University of Hong Kong recommends annual Covid-19 and influenza vaccinations for vulnerable populations, citing recurring outbreaks every six to nine months. He warns that chronically ill individuals, children, and the elderly remain at risk of serious complications without regular immunization and timely testing and treatment Hong Kong medical expert recommends annual Covid-19 and flu vaccinations for high-risk groups Hui concluded by stressing the importance of immunization for reducing public health risks amid ongoing viral transmission cycles.
United News of India
an hour ago
- United News of India
India's active Covid cases dip to 5012, one death in past 24 hrs
New Delhi, June 21 (UNI) India's active Covid-19 case load continues its downward trajectory, with a total of 5,012 active cases reported across the country as of Saturday morning. This marks a significant decrease over the past six days. In the 24 hours leading up to 8 am on Saturday, one death was recorded. As per the data available from the Union Health Ministry, among the States which saw substantial decrease were Andhra Pradesh (37), Kerala(1043), Karnataka(277), Maharashtra (340) and Madhya Pradesh (108) while states like Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand registered an uptick in the virus load with 26, 11 and 2 respectively. A total of 15,493 people have been discharged after successful treatment in 2025. A single fatality was reported from Rajasthan, involving a 20-year-old male with pre-existing health conditions. The Health Ministry's data reveals that while the number of new cases remains relatively low, the health infrastructure continues to be on alert, with effective measures in place to monitor and contain any resurgence. Public health experts have also stressed the need for maintaining preventive measures and adhering to guidelines to keep the virus in check. UNI AJ ARN
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
International Yoga Day: Uttarakhand CM Dhami urges citizens to embrace yoga as way of life
Uttarakhand CM DEHRADUN: On the occasion of International Yoga Day , Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended his greetings to the people of the state and urged everyone to make yoga a part of their daily life for a healthier and more positive lifestyle. In a post on X, CM Dhami congratulated the citizens and highlighted the importance of yoga in achieving physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. "Hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the residents of the state on International Yoga Day!" Dhami wrote. "Yoga is not just an exercise, but one of the most ancient lifestyles of India, which symbolises physical, mental and spiritual balance. It not only keeps us stress-free, but also makes life more disciplined and positive," he added. CM Dhami also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting yoga worldwide and making it a global movement. "Today, under the inspirational leadership of the respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, yoga has become a global movement. The whole world has adopted this invaluable heritage of India and accepted its benefits," he said in a post on X. Calling on people to take a pledge to adopt yoga in their daily routine, he stated, "Come, let us all take a pledge that we will make Yoga a part of our daily lives and contribute towards building a healthy and strong India." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo Meanwhile, defence minister Rajnath Singh led the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations in Udhampur of Jammu and Kashmir. Singh met the army personnel here in Udhampur and praised their efforts in Operation Sindoor. "Your bravery is widely admired across the nation. I salute the valour and courage of the Indian Army," Rajnath Singh said. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the international community to embrace "inner peace" as a "global policy' and make yoga a collective global responsibility. Speaking at the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Visakhapatnam, the Prime Minister called upon countries to adopt yoga not just as a personal or cultural practice, but as a unifying force for humanity. "I would like to take this opportunity to urge the global community on this important occasion to let this International Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity. Let this be the day when inner peace becomes a global policy, where yoga is embraced not just as a personal practice, but as a powerful tool for global partnership and unity. Let every country and every society make yoga a shared responsibility, a common contribution toward collective well-being," the Prime Minister said. The event was held along the scenic Visakhapatnam coastline, with Navy ships stationed near the shore, adding to the grandeur of the celebration. PM Modi was joined by lakhs of yoga enthusiasts, residents, and dignitaries from Andhra Pradesh.
