York Region medical officer of health Dr. Karim Kurji has announced he is retiring effective Sept. 30.
The region announced the move June 17. He has served with the region's public health since 2005 and headed its response to the pandemic over the last 18 months.
In a news release, the region said Kurji initially planned to retire in early 2020 but delayed to assist with pandemic response.
"COVID-19 is a public health crisis like one we have never experienced, but with the support of York Regional Council, we have been able to continuously respond to the ever-changing needs of our community,” Kurji said.
York Region highlighted Kurji's efforts, including establishing real-time reporting systems, contact tracing and management, and leading the vaccine rollout of almost 913,000 doses to date.
"I want to thank Dr. Kurji for his professionalism, dedication and commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the more than 1.2 million residents who call York Region home,” York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson said. “With almost four decades of public service, there are so many accomplishments to highlight. However, for York Region, Dr. Kurji’s legacy will be his instrumental role in our ongoing fight against COVID-19.”
Kurji has worked 37 years in the sector, also holding positions with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. He is a Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Kurji said he plans to spend more time with family and grandchildren and resume some hobbies sidelined by the pandemic.
“I have also been enormously blessed to have the privilege of working with such talented York Region staff over the past 16 years," Kurji said. "Whilst I am considered the 'face' of the York Region COVID-19 response, there continues to be many, many staff working tirelessly to keep our communities safe, both during and after this pandemic ends.”
Director of corporate communications Patrick Casey said recruitment for Kurji's replacement is underway.
