July 15, 2009 - The Board of Health for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Henry Kurban to the position of Acting Medical Officer of Health (MOH), effective January 2, 2010. 

Dr. Kurban is currently completing his preventive medicine residency training and board certification at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland. He received his initial medical training at the University of Western Ontario’s Faculty of Medicine and graduated with distinction. His extensive educational background also includes a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from McGill University in Montreal.

Having received his public health training in the United States, Dr. Kurban will be required to undergo a minimum of one year of supervised practice before he can receive an independent practice certificate from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Once he has achieved this certification, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care can approve his appointment as Medical Officer of Health.

The Board of Health conducted an intensive recruitment campaign and worked diligently to fill the position.

 “We are thrilled to have someone of Dr. Kurban’s caliber join our team and the community,” said Board Chair Joe Virdiramo.  “Dr. Kurban has been described as an innovative thinker who enjoys developing new solutions to different community challenges.  He has a passion for preventive medicine and is excited about the opportunity to lead Public Health in the District of Thunder Bay.”

For the remainder of this calendar year, Dr. Sam Graham will continue in his current role of Acting MOH. In addition, Mr. Doug Heath will retain the position of Acting CEO for an indefinite period.

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