Alberta appoints former South Zone lead as new chief medical officer of health

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on December 19, 2025.

The province has appointed Dr. Viven Suttorp as Alberta’s new, permanent chief medical officer of health effective Dec. 18.

Dr. Suttorp previously served as the lead medical officer of health for the South Zone for 17 years, where she oversaw public health, workplace health and safety and infection prevention and control for the area including Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

Dr. Suttorp is replacing Dr. Sunil Sookram, who had filled the office in an interim capacity since April.

The chief medical officer of health is responsible for making recommendations to promote and protect public health across the province. The role also oversees programs for communicable disease prevention, immunization, and outbreak detection 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. I look forward to helping ensure the public health care needs of communities across Alberta are met,” said Dr. Suttorp in a statement.

Dr. Suttorp will be responsible for advising on the development, implementation and coordination of public health policy as well as measures to respond to emerging health threats.

In a statement released Thursday, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services Adriana LaGrange issued her thanks to Dr. Sookram and welcomed the new chief medical officer of health.

“I look forward to her leadership in advancing public health priorities for all Albertans,” said the minister.