TORONTO — Dr. Eileen de Villa, the director of public health for Toronto, has temporarily stepped down from her position, saying Friday she needs to undergo care for an undisclosed medical condition.
The post was created in January as part of a wide-ranging overhaul of city services. The organization was handed to the private sector to run.
A one-time city councillor and early Toronto public health adviser, de Villa previously worked in Ottawa.
In a statement on the public health website, de Villa said she wished to give her time to focus on her health. She thanked staff, physicians and residents for their support and wished to remain on as a member of the public health organization’s board of directors.
The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care confirmed in a statement that it has “received a request for professional services for a physician and recognizes her request for medical leave of absence.”
The ministry said it supports the decision of a physician who wishes to put their professional interests ahead of their private duties.
De Villa became the public health director in January of last year when the city launched its overhaul of its services. As one of several city officials brought in from outside as part of the reorganization, de Villa was also tasked with cleaning up public perceptions of a possible doctor shortage in the city.
A joint study with the federal government found at least one London, Ont., doctor was working six days a week.
— Vancouver Sun