The region’s top doctor is retiring after more than two decades with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
Charles Gardner, medical officer of health and chief executive officer, will retire Sept. 30, the health unit announced in a news release.
Gardner began his role as medical officer of health for Simcoe-Muskoka in 2005. Prior to that, he served seven years in the same position with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.
He started his career in general medical practice in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and Zimbabwe.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Gardner has been a dedicated advocate for public health and has played a pivotal role in numerous provincial and national initiatives,” the health unit stated.
He was president, and then past chair, of the Association of Local Public Health Agencies and was chair of the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health.
Gardner received the Distinguished Service Award from the Association of Local Public Health Agencies in June 2023 and the Faculty Educator Award for the Public Health and Preventive Medicine Residency, University of Toronto, in 2020.
“Among his many achievements, Dr. Gardner’s leadership during large-scale health crises has been a defining aspect of his career,” the release stated. “From pandemic influenza planning in 2006 to managing the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, and most recently guiding the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Gardner has consistently provided calm and strategic leadership. His dedication during these challenging times has been instrumental in protecting the health of our communities.”
Ann-Marie Kungl, chair of the board of health, said Gardner’s leadership has “left an indelible mark on public health in Simcoe-Muskoka and beyond.
“His tireless commitment to promoting health and well-being in our communities will be remembered for years to come. While his absence will be felt deeply, we are immensely grateful for his contributions and wish him all the best in this next chapter.”
The health unit will begin the process of recruiting a successor and will plan a celebration for Gardner.
