A man who has served as Hamilton’s associate medical officer of health for the past 12 years has been tapped to take over the helm of the health unit for Oxford and Elgin counties.
Dr. Ninh Tran was named as Southwestern Public Health’s new medical officer of health on Monday. He will replace Dr. Joyce Lock who is slated to retire from the position she’s held for the last eight years on March 31.
“In a field of excellent candidates, Dr. Tran stood out for his alignment with Southwestern Public Health’s core values,” said Larry Martin, chair of the Southwestern Public Health Board of Health. “His work in health research methods, evidence and impact will help us meet our goal of implementing the types of services that respond to local needs and demonstrate value for residents.”
In addition to serving as Hamilton Public Health Services’ associate medical officer of health, Tran is a practicing primary care provider and has had both administrative and instructional duties with McMaster University’s Public Health and Preventive Medicine Residency Program. Tran has a medical degree from Queen’s University, a Nutritional Sciences Master’s degree from the University of Guelph, and a Health Research Methodology Master’s degree in McMaster University.
He was selected to replace Lock following a “thorough recruitment process,” according to the health board.
“I’m eager to bring my passion for population health and my experience as an associate medical officer of health to serve the residents of Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas,” Tran said in a statement. “We’re at a pivotal moment in the pandemic’s evolution. I look forward to helping Southwestern Public Health achieve its vision of healthy people in vibrant communities after two very difficult years.”
Tran’s first day on the job will be March 21.
He will begin as the acting medical officer of health, until his appointment is approved by the Minister of Health in accordance with the Health Protection and Health Promotion Act.
