Dr. Vivien Suttorp, shown in this photo from 2019, has been appointed Alberta's new permanent chief medical officer of health. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge doctor appointed Alberta’s new chief medical officer of health

Dec 18, 2025 | 9:55 AM

Her name should be familiar to most who have worked in healthcare in Alberta’s South Zone over the last several years.

Dr. Vivien Suttorp has been selected as Alberta’s new, permanent Chief Medical Officer of Health, effective December 18, 2025.

She has worked in public health, preventative and community medicine in both urban and rural settings for over 25 years.

Dr. Suttorp has also served as the lead medical officer of health for the South Zone for the last 17 years, overseeing all aspects of public health, while supporting workplace health and safety, and infection prevention and control.

“I am honoured to accept the role of chief medical officer of health for Alberta to support efforts to promote a strong public health system in the province and improve the overall health and well-being of Albertans,” says Suttorp. “I look forward to helping ensure the public health care needs of communities across Alberta are met.”

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In her new role, she will be responsible for:

• Monitoring the health of Albertans and making recommendations to promote and protect public health.
• Providing leadership and advice on measures to respond to new and emerging health threats.
• Overseeing programs for communicable disease prevention, surveillance, immunization, outbreak detection and control, and health promotion.
• Advising on the development, implementation and coordination of public health policy.
• Leading environmental public health initiatives and infection prevention and control measures.
• Supporting health risk assessments, reports and analysis.
• Collaborating with provincial health agencies, government ministries and key stakeholders to build healthy communities.

The Alberta Government states that Dr. Suttorp’s appointment reinforces the province’s commitment to strong, experienced public health leadership and ensures continued expert guidance in protecting and promoting the health of Albertans.

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange adds that she is well-positioned to support effective public health action and collaboration across the province.

“I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Suttorp to this vital role and I look forward to her leadership in advancing public health priorities for all Albertans,” says LaGrange.

Suttorp replaces Dr. Sunil Sookram, who was appointed the interim chief medical officer of health in April 2025.

Sharif Haji, Alberta’s New Democrat Shadow Minister for Primary and Preventative Health Services responded to the news by releasing a statement Thursday:

“I am happy to finally see the permanent appointment of Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. Dr. Vivien Suttorp is a strong choice and is an expert in public health, preventive care, and community medicine.

“It is essential the Premier and her UCP government now fully support Dr. Suttorp and the crucial work public health does to protect the health and well-being of Albertans.”