Med officer de Villa, who led Toronto through COVID-19 lockdown, resigns

Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, announced her resignation Tuesday morning after leading the city through the COVID-19 pandemic.

De Villa took on the role in 2017 and will continue until Dec. 31.

She posted the news on her X account (formerly Twitter) the same day.

"Good afternoon, Toronto. Today I am announcing my resignation as Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, effective December 31, 2024," she wrote.

Toronto Public Health released the official letter of resignation from de Villa where she thanked the city for their support.

“It has been both an honour and a privilege to serve the residents of Toronto alongside the dedicated team at Toronto Public Health,” she wrote.

De Villa had many accomplishments during her almost eight years, especially with COVID-19 measures and responses.

She said in the press release that the decision was difficult and took months of consideration, yet did not give a specific reason for her departure.

“I have made the decision to embark on the next chapter of my professional journey,” she wrote. “While this decision was not reached lightly, I am eager to dedicate more time to my family and consider the next chapter in my career.”

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow posted on X (formerly Twitter) replying to de Villa.

"Thank you, Dr. de Villa, for your leadership. You navigated Toronto Public Health through an incredibly difficult and uncertain time during the pandemic with integrity and compassion," she said.

The City of Toronto shared a news release recognizing de Villa and the impact of her role.

"Dr. de Villa has been recognized for her contributions to health equity, health communications and community engagement," the release said.

Toronto Public Health also released a video of de Villa addressing her resignation.

In the video, she referenced the unique circumstances of her position and her varied accomplishments.

“We’ve navigated significant challenges, everything from the COVID-19 pandemic to changes in public health funding, to the drug toxicity epidemic, and the mental health crisis that is currently in our midst,” de Villa said.

Before de Villa, the former Medical Officer of Health was Dr. David McKeown in 2004, before Dr. Barbara Yaffe took on the acting role in 2016 during the transition.

There has been no news of who will take over the role in 2025.

“There is much work we need to accomplish over the next six months, and I want to assure you that in the time that’s left, I will continue to press on and make sure that together with the organization we will continue to do our very best to meet the health needs of Torontonians,” de Villa said.