A new medical officer of health who officials describe as “well grounded and down to earth” has been hired for St. Thomas and Elgin and Oxford counties.
Dr. Ninh Tran was recruited from the public health unit in Hamilton, moving from associate medical officer of health there to the top job in the Southwestern public health region.
“We needed somebody that will tell us what we need to hear and not what we want to hear … and I think he will do that,” said Larry Martin, chair of the board of health for Southwestern public health.
Tran was recruited for the Southwestern position due to his long list of credentials and previous work experiences, including his dozen years in Hamilton.
“It’s not as if it is new uncharted territory for him. He should (be able to) hit the ground running,” Martin said.
Tran has previously worked with health providers, citizens groups, municipalities, school boards and partner groups, Martin added.
“So it would just be a matter of relocating from his present position to this one. Instead of being an associate, he will be the medical officer of health now and I think he’s going to make a very good fit,” Martin said.
Tran officially assumes the role as medical officer of health on March 21, replacing a retiring Dr. Joyce Lock, who held the post for the past eight years.
“I wish her all the best in the future with her retirement,” said Martin, who also serves as warden of Oxford County.
Lock announced her retirement this past September and will be leaving the public health agency on March 31, 10 days after Tran assumes the position.
“There will be a little bit of an overlap, but that is good as well to kind of get a feel of the territory,” Martin said.
The health unit must first get approval from the health minister before Tran can officially fill this position. In the interim, he will serve as the acting medical officer of health.
Martin said there is no set date for the provincial stamp of approval but suggested “the sooner the better,” adding he hopes the ministry gives its blessing before Tran’s start date.
“I look forward to helping Southwestern public health achieve its vision of healthy people in vibrant communities after two very difficult years,” Tran said in a media release announcing his hiring.
Tran holds a medical degree from Queen’s University, a master’s degree in nutritional sciences from the University of Guelph and a master’s degree in health research methodology from McMaster University.
“We know that he will be there to help guide us once we get through COVID but, until we get there, he is there and helping us with that as well,” Martin said.
“He comes with all kinds of credentials and I think he is going to fit in very well with the Southwestern public health unit and our goals and objectives.”