Announcing the departure of Dr. Tom Stelfox

Dear O’Brien Institute community,

We are writing to announce the departure of Dr. Tom Stelfox from his position as Scientific Director of the O'Brien Institute for Public Health, effective Aug. 31, 2023. Dr. Stelfox has accepted the exciting role of Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta.

During his tenure at the O'Brien Institute, Dr. Stelfox has been an incredible leader as we chart the Institute's path forward in its second decade. Under his guidance, the Institute developed and launched its first strategic plan, 2022-2027, to enable us to advance public health through research excellence.

Dr. Stelfox convened researchers, clinicians, and members of the community to chart the future direction of the Institute; this has already led to major successes in research funding, faculty recruitment, and public engagement.

Dr. Stelfox helped renew and grow the capacity of the O’Brien Institute, W21C, and Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging. He was instrumental in launching the Centre for Health Policy and its first major project, the Health System Sustainability Initiative. We are grateful for Dr. Stelfox's dedication, leadership, and contributions to the Institute, and he will be missed. Dr. Stelfox leaves a legacy of excellence and impact at the Institute.

Associate Scientific Directors, Dr. Kirsten Fiest, Health Systems and Dr. Katrina Milaney, Population Health, along with Administrative Director Dr. Jamie Day will manage the transition to a new Scientific Director. Further announcements will be made about the process for selecting a new Scientific Director shortly. In the meantime, Dr. Stelfox will continue in his role and prepare the Institute for a leadership transition. We are confident that we will find an outstanding successor to Dr. Stelfox, and we are excited about the future of the Institute.

Once again, thank you, Tom, for everything you have done for the Institute. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours in Edmonton.

Sincerely,

O’Brien Institute Core team