We are pleased to welcome Dr. Jane Philpott on July 1, 2020 as the new CEO of SEAMO and Dean of Queen’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
Dr. Philpott brings with her a wealth of knowledge in Global Health, having practiced general medicine in Niger early in her career (1989-1998) and later acting as the lead collaborator in the development of the first training program for Family Medicine in Ethiopia (2013).
Jane has significant experience in medical administration, having served as Chief of the Department of Family Medicine at Markham Stouffville Hospital (2008-2015). In addition, she acted as the President and Lead Physician of the Health for All Family Health Team serving Markham-Stouffville, one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada.
Dr. Philpott has an exceptional understanding of the political landscape in Canada and has successfully managed many complex and multi-faceted issues. As the first physician serving as a federal Health Minister (2015-2017), Jane was involved with the legalization of cannabis and the introduction of Medical Assistance in Dying. When Jane oversaw the Indigenous Services portfolio (2017-2019), she played a pivotal role in improving infrastructure for First Nations and directed an annual budget of $11 billion. She served on the Treasury Board of Canada for four years and was appointed as President of the Treasury Board in 2019.
With the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, Dr. Philpott returned the front lines, to help with testing at an assessment centre at the Markham Stouffville Hospital.
In June 2020, the Government of Ontario named Dr. Philpott a special advisor on a new health data platform that will improve prevention and response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Jane’s extensive and wide-ranging skills and experience will be a major asset to both SEAMO and the Queen’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Philpott to the SEAMO Management Team and the Queen’s Family!