Board of Health Hires Dr. Ninh Tran as New Medical Officer of Health

News: Southwestern Public Health Board of Health Hires Dr. Ninh Tran as its New Medical Officer of Health

February 14, 2022

It was announced in mid-September that Dr. Joyce Lock would retire from the public health agency on March 31, 2022, following 8 years of service to the community.

Today, Southwestern Public Health’s Board of Health announced that following a thorough recruitment process, it has recruited Dr. Ninh Tran as its new Medical Officer of Health, serving Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas. Dr. Tran will be the public health unit’s Acting Medical Officer of Health until the agency receives approval from the Minister of Health as outlined in the Health Protection and Health Promotion Act.

Dr. Tran’s first day will be March 21, 2022.

Dr. Tran currently serves as the Associate Medical Officer of Health for Hamilton Public Health Services, a position he has held for more than 12 years. He is also a practicing primary care provider and has had both administrative and instructional duties with McMaster University’s Public Health and Preventive Medicine Residency Program in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evaluation, and Impact. Dr. 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. 

“In a field of excellent candidates, Dr. Tran stood out for his alignment with Southwestern Public Health’s core values. 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,” says Larry Martin, Chair, Southwestern Public Health Board of Health.

“I am confident that as our work combating COVID-19 decreases over time and we continue with our attention on the significant health and social inequities that impact our communities, Dr. Tran’s leadership will help us in our work with individuals, partners, and the systems that impact population health,” adds Cynthia St. John, Chief Executive Officer, Southwestern Public Health. "His experience collaborating with health providers, citizen groups, municipalities, school boards and other community partners will benefit the entire region in its pandemic recovery work."

Comment:

“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. 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,” Dr. Ninh Tran.

About Southwestern Public Health

Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas.