Dr. James Talbot has been appointed as the Province’s new Chief Medical Officer of Health.

In making the annoucement, Fred Horne, Minister of Health for Alberta said, “Dr. Talbot is a leader in public health. His experience as a Senior Medical Officer since 2009, combined with his commitment to public health in this province, make me confident he will be a great asset in this role. I look forward to our work together.”

Dr. Talbot takes over from Dr. André Corriveau, who has been Chief Medical Officer of Health since 2009.

Dr. Talbot has been an Associate Clinical Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta for the last eight years. Before joining Alberta Health, he served in various capacities in private practice, laboratory, hospital and governmental functions, including Associate Medical Officer of Health at Capital Health and Chief Medical Officer of Health for Nunavut. In addition to his medical degree, he has a PhD in biochemistry and has done extensive work in epidemiology and biostatistics.

“I’m honoured to be appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer,” said Dr. Talbot. “I grew up in this province, studied here and have called the province home for decades, and the health of Albertans is important to me. I very much want to continue the fine work done by my friend and colleague, Dr. André Corriveau.”

The role of the Chief Medical Officer of Health is to promote and protect the health of all Albertans, under the authority of the Public Health Act. The Chief Medical Officer of Health is a member of the Alberta Health executive, and reports directly to the Minister of Health, advising on matters related to the health of Albertans. Dr. Talbot will also act as a liaison between the government and Alberta Health Services, medical officers of health and executive officers in the administration of the Public Health Act.