By Hugh Kruzel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Sudbury Star
April 6, 2024
Dr. Mustafa Hirji is just weeks into his new job. As the new medical officer of health and CEO for Public Health Sudbury and Districts, he is fully aware that this is a large landscape: “I have not had the opportunity yet to travel around and learn the nuances of the region.”
He does know the map and where to find Chapleau.
Dr. Hirji said he is looking forward to getting around and seeing all the satellite offices, including Espanola and Manitoulin, as well as Chapleau.
“It is around 250 employees, with the majority in Sudbury. I knew Dr. Penny Sutcliffe (the region’s former medical officer of health) for over a decade so I had some awareness through her.
“I have a general sense of what the geography is … Niagara is not as big as here.”
There is a definite sense that his work in the Niagara region, where he was the associate medical officer of health, prepared him for the move here.
“Yes, to a high degree,” Dr. Hirji said. “One of the privileges of living in Canada is that we have a relatively high standard of living everywhere. Some of the health problems that are suffered by other parts of the world are not suffered here.
“But it means the health problems we have not figured out are similar across Canada.”
He knows about the issues relevant to the Sudbury area, including homelessness and addictions.
“Opioids and tainted drugs not just a Sudbury challenge. We are all working together across the country to explore solutions.”
Dr. Hirji acknowledged that diversity is different here.
“An Indigenous population is a new dimension for me. I am looking forward to my own education in this.”
Dr. Hirji’s formal learning began with school in Alberta. “I grew up in Edmonton and went to the University of Alberta for my undergraduate training.
“Following that, the University of Calgary for medical school and here in Ontario, I was at McMaster for the specialty in public health.”
COVID-19 was tough for those in public health. “It was difficult for everyone in our society. It was something we had not dealt with for a hundred years. It was unprecedented. It taught me a lot. A long list.”
Dr. Hirji paused as he recalled what he learned.
“I was relatively new in an acting medical officer of health role at the time. Naturally, there is much importance in how you work well with community partners, because they are really valuable in achieving things.
“Engaging with your own team and your own staff is always important. It was an intense period of time for them. Part of how we got through this was making sure we kept their spirits up and ensured everybody felt they were not alone. Working well with everyone is essential.”
Many think of Public Health as tracking births and deaths, analyzing drinking water and providing education and vaccines, but there are also restaurant inspections, to make sure the food they serve is safe to eat.
“Yes, we have a regular cycle of proactive inspections. The type of service determines the frequency. A coffee shop is low risk. Most restaurant operators see us as a partner in helping them deliver healthy food.”
Dr. Hirji said is looking towards broadening his experience with the Sudbury’s food scene. He also is investing in the community with the purchase of a home.
“I want to be part of Sudbury. Of course, I shovel snow and rake leaves. I like walking and hiking and have seen the Lake Laurentian Conversation Area.”
When told about Rainbow Route trails and the many outdoor adventures across the city and region, he said fresh air is what sealed the deal in coming to Sudbury.
“I look forward to learning about Sudbury and area. There were formal welcome letters, and emails when it was announced that I was coming. They were greatly appreciated.”
What else should we know about the region’s new medical of health? Dr. Hirji reveals: “I do like hockey. I cheer for my home team of Edmonton. Am sure the (Sudbury) Wolves will be my favourite junior team.”
The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government.
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