Southlake Regional Health Centre has appointed Dr. Charmaine van Schaik as the hospital's new chief of staff after a nationwide search.
Most recently the Newmarket hospital's chief of pediatrics, van Schaik brings 18 years of leadership experience to her new role, according to a Southlake news release. She also was the medical director of the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) satellite clinic that launched at Southlake in 2009.
She also served as the co-medical lead for the hospital's COVID-19 vaccination committee, raising community awareness. She also advises the Ontario Ministry of Health about pediatric cancer care through her role as vice-chair of the board of directors at POGO.
“Dr. van Schaik is a well-respected physician in our community and we are beyond thrilled to have her join Southlake’s senior leadership team,” said Arden Krystal, Southlake’s president and CEO. “She has been a valuable member of our team, which was highlighted repeatedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to continue working with her to champion Southlake’s future and redevelopment efforts.”
Southlake board of directors chair Patrick Horgan agreed that van Schaik is the perfect person for the position.
“Dr. Charmaine van Schaik has been a leader at Southlake for the last 18 years,” he said. “She consistently demonstrates the exemplary care that Southlake is known for, and owns her role to improve health care through her leadership and advocacy. Combined with her outstanding credentials and experience, Dr. van Schaik is the ideal person to take on this critical role at an important time in Southlake’s history.”
In her new role, van Schaik will chair the hospital's medical advisory committee and oversee the quality and privileging of medical staff, including dental, midwifery, and extended-class nursing staff.
“It’s an honour to be appointed as Southlake’s chief of staff and I’m excited to step into this role,” said van Schaik. “I’m grateful to have been a part of this organization for many years and I’m looking forward to collaborating with staff and physicians from across the organization to provide the best care possible to our patients.”
She will be replacing Dr. Steven Beatty, who has served as chief of staff since August 2013.
