Celebrating Physicians on National Physicians' Day: A Thank You from Ottawa Public Health
A Message from Interim Deputy Medical Officer of Health (DMOH), Dr. Laura Bourns
As we approach National Physicians’ Day on May 1, I want to recognize and say thank you to all the physicians in our community. On behalf of Ottawa Public Health (OPH), I want to thank you for work you do for your patients and the community. Your dedication is integral to improving population health and health equity.
As the interim Deputy Medical Officer of Health (DMOH) for OPH, I would also like to recognize the work of OPH’s public health physicians and OPH’s Physician and Nurse Practitioner Engagement Team, who ensure that we are able to rapidly communicate public health information and be responsive to the needs of local physicians.
In 2025, OPH is going through changes in physician leadership. January 31, 2025 was Dr. Vera Etches’ last day with OPH; she embarked on a new journey as President and CEO with CHEO in March of this year. Dr. Etches was with OPH for 15 years and led OPH as the Medical Officer of health for almost 7 years. Dr. Etches led OPH through the pandemic and has been a champion for advancing health equity in our organization and in the community.
I would also like to thank Dr. Trevor Arnason, who has been with OPH since 2019, for stepping into the Interim Medical Officer of Health role, as of February ,1 2025, while recruitment for a permanent Medical Officer of Health is ongoing.
Ottawa Public Health deeply values and appreciates the collaboration we have with local physicians and health organizations, as well as the leadership shown by physicians in improving the local health care system and advancing innovation. We know there are many challenges within the health care system, further amplified by the pandemic. With 2025, marking five years since the beginning of COVID-19, it’s a chance for each of us to reflect on the changes the pandemic brought about in every aspect of our lives, and what learnings we can bring forward.
On May 1st and every day, please know that as a local physician you have our thanks for the critical role you play in the health of individuals, communities and the population. Wishing everyone a happy National Physicians’ Day.
Laura Bourns, MD CCFP FRCPC
(A) Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Ottawa Public Health