Region appoints new Medical Officer of Health
York Region’s new Medical Officer of Health is a public health and preventive medicine specialist as well as a family physician whose key interests include health equity, healthy public policy and community engagement.
Dr. Fareen Karachiwalla joined York Region in 2018 as an Associate Medical Officer of Health supporting several initiatives, including health professional engagement, child and family health, and infectious diseases control. She served as York Region’s acting medical officer of health after Dr. Barry Pakes resigned from the position in June.
In Ontario, Medical Officers of Health provide public health expertise, support health surveillance, population health and infectious disease control initiatives on issues of public health importance in their communities. They must be approved by the Ontario Minister of Health.
York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe applauds the appointment, which was announced September 25. “Public Health plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe and healthy,” he says. “On behalf of Regional Council, I extend my appreciation for the ongoing expertise of Dr. Karachiwalla, who continues to help advance public policies and programs that help prevent disease, promote wellness, respond to public health emergencies and improve access to services.”
Karachiwalla holds a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Western Ontario and completed her specialty training at the University of Toronto. She holds a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland with a focus on health systems and policy. She maintains a part-time clinical practice focusing on people with complex mental health and addiction and those experiencing homelessness. She received the King’s Charles III Coronation Medal for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Karachiwalla. She has demonstrated unwavering dedication and expertise in safeguarding the health and well-being of York Region residents,” York Region Chief Administrative Officer Erin Mahoney says. “Her leadership is instrumental in guiding our communities to a healthy, thriving and connected future.”
Legislated by the Health Protection and Promotion Act, York Region Public Health is governed by Regional Council in its role as Board of Health and is responsible to carry out legislative responsibilities and operate mandated programs.