Theresa Tam
Theresa Tam is a Canadian physician and public servant who served as Canada’s chief public health officer from 2017 to 2025.
Theresa Tam is a Canadian physician and public servant who served as Canada’s chief public health officer from 2017 to 2025. She is known for her leadership in infectious disease control and for leading the federal public health response during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was the first woman to serve as Canada’s chief public health officer.
Early life and education
Tam was born in Hong Kong in 1965. She studied medicine in the United Kingdom and later moved to Canada, where she completed pediatric and infectious disease training.
Career in public health
Tam joined the Public Health Agency of Canada and advanced through leadership roles, including deputy chief public health officer. Her work focused on infectious disease prevention, control, and health security.
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
Tam became acting chief public health officer in December 2016 and was formally appointed in June 2017. She served as the federal government’s top public health official until stepping down on June 20, 2025.
Public health emergencies
Tam played a major role in Canada’s public health response to SARS, H1N1, Ebola, MERS, and COVID-19. Her responsibilities included public guidance, coordination with other health officials, and national risk communication.
Key facts
- Tam was appointed acting chief public health officer in December 2016 and formally appointed in June 2017.
- She stepped down as chief public health officer on June 20, 2025.
- She played a major role in Canada’s public health response to SARS, H1N1, Ebola, MERS, and COVID-19.
- Before becoming chief public health officer, she held senior roles at the Public Health Agency of Canada, including deputy chief public health officer.
- She was the first woman to serve as Canada’s chief public health officer.
Tam is a prominent Canadian public health official whose work affected federal health policy, pandemic response, and national disease control, making her highly relevant to Canadian readers.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theresa_TamSupports: Birth year, nationality, roles, appointment timing, and departure date
- Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-publique/organisation/structure-organisationnelle/administrateur-chef-sante-publique-canada/biographie.htmlSupports: Biography, appointment date, role, and specialties
- Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/corporate/organizational-structure/canada-chief-public-health-officer.htmlSupports: Definition of the Chief Public Health Officer role
- Royal Canadian Institute for Science — https://www.rciscience.ca/100-lives/theresa-tamSupports: Early life, education, career background, and leadership in public health emergencies
- Canadian Public Health Association — https://www.cpha.ca/cpha-salutes-dr-theresa-tamSupports: Tenure end date and note that she was the first woman of colour to serve as CPHO