Health Unit's search for new medical officer of health nearly over

The Health Unit CEO says they are weeding out candidates, and expect they’ll have a new medical officer of health by the end of the month.

Officials with the Thunder Bay and District Health Unit announced in February that Dr. Henry Kurban would be resigning from his position by July 1. The Health Unit appointed Kurban as the medical officer in March.

Personal and family circumstances were cited as reasons for the resignation.  It’s the second time a medical officer has resigned from the Health Unit since 2005.

Health Unit CEO Doug Heath said the board wants someone who can commit to stay in the community.

So far there appears to be some healthy competition for the position.

“We’re very pleased by the level of interest in the job,” Heath said. “There’s provincial legislation that determines the qualifications that are required. Of course it would be nice if we could have someone who is willing to spend a fair amount of time here in Thunder Bay.”

He added that they are looking for stability in the position since they haven’t had someone stay for longer than two years. The two previous medical officers weren’t from Thunder Bay and both left because of personal reasons.

“We’re looking for someone to stay for a while,” he said.