Alberta has a new, permanent chief medical officer of health.
Dr. Vivien Suttorp takes on the role, bringing more than 25 years of experience to the table. For the last 17 years, Dr. Suttorp has been the lead medical officer of health for the South Zone, overseeing all aspects of public health and supporting workplace health and safety, as well as infection prevention and control.
“I am honoured to accept the role of chief medical officer of health for Alberta to support efforts to promote a strong public health system in the province and improve the overall health and well-being of Albertans. I look forward to helping ensure the public health care needs of communities across Alberta are met,” Dr. Suttorp states.
In her new role, Dr. Suttorp will be responsible for:
- Monitoring the health of Albertans and making recommendations to promote and protect public health;
- Providing leadership and advice on measures to respond to new and emerging health threats;
- Overseeing programs for communicable disease prevention, surveillance, immunization, outbreak detection and control, and health promotion;
- Advising on the development, implementation and coordination of public health policy;
- Leading environmental public health initiatives and infection prevention and control measures;
- Supporting health risk assessments, reports and analysis;
- Collaborating with provincial health agencies, government ministries and key stakeholders to build healthy communities.
She succeeds Dr. Sunil Sookram, who had been serving in the role of interim chief medical officer of health since April 2025.
“On behalf of Alberta’s government, I sincerely thank Dr. Sunil Sookram for his dedication and leadership during his time as interim chief medical officer of health,” says Adriana LaGrange, the province’s Minister of Health.
“I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Suttorp to this vital role and I look forward to her leadership in advancing public health priorities for all Albertans.”
