The province's Chief Medical Officer of Health is now Dr. Mark Joffe, replacing Dr. Deena Hinshaw.

Dr. Joffe presently serves as Vice President and Medical Director for Alberta Health Services Cancer Care Alberta, Clinical Support Services, and Provincial Clinical Excellence.

“I am honoured to be asked to take on the chief medical officer of health role for our province. I have always put the needs of my patients first and foremost throughout my career, which will continue as I take on this new challenge. I want to thank Minister Copping for giving me this opportunity,” stated Joffe.

Dr. Joffe is a seasoned healthcare executive who has devoted his life to the study of infectious disease prevention. He has worked for Capital Health, now Alberta Health Services, for more than 25 years.

Among many other local and national responsibilities, previous leadership positions have included chairing the Royal Alexandra Hospital Medical Staff Society, serving two terms as president of the Capital Region Medical Staff Association, and serving as president of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases of Canada. In addition, Dr. Joffe holds a professorship in the University of Alberta's department of medicine.

Dr. Joffe, a native of Calgary, earned his medical degree from the University of Calgary in 1982. He received certificates of specific competence in infectious diseases and internal medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 1986 and 1989, respectively. Between 1989 and 1993, he continued his education through a postdoctoral position at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the University of Alberta.

The appointment of Dr. Joffe begins today, (November 14) and lasts until it is rescinded by the minister of health. Without receiving any additional salary for the Chief Medical Officer of Health position, he will continue to be bound by his current contract with AHS.