There's a new doc-boss in town

Dr. Jennifer Loo was appointed last night as Algoma Public Health's associate medical officer of health.

The University of Toronto-trained family physician is no stranger to Sault Ste. Marie.

Loo obtained an honours bachelor of science degree (environment and health) and an MD at University of Toronto in 2008 and 2012.

She was certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada in 2014 and then got an MSc (public health) at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 2015.

Since then, she has been working toward specialist certification in public health and preventive medicine.

In 2014, she received a College of Family Physicians of Canada research award to study the impact of Toronto bicycle lanes on cyclist-motor vehicle collisions.

Loo also has experience in addictions medicine and has worked for True North Medical Centre, which offers multidisciplinary methadone/suboxone opioid programs in six locations in Toronto as well as eight other Ontario cities including Timmins.

After the recent disruptions in Algoma Public Health's executive ranks, she was required to pass a police criminal records check.

Choral music, tea aficionado

"I enjoy exploring the connections between the environment and human health, whether it be through the lens of population health, or simply by walking through my city’s diverse neighbourhoods," Loo says in an online University of Toronto profile.

"I revive soul and spirit through choral music and the written word. I am ever striving to make and eat better food, to make and drink better tea, and to do all of the above in good company."

Dr. Loo will step into her new role at Algoma Public Health on August 28.

Working under Dr. Marlene Spruyt, APH's medical officer of health and chief executive officer, she will provide direction and support for programs such as infectious diseases, environmental health, chronic disease and injury prevention, and child and family health.

In Dr. Spruyt's absence, she'll function with all the powers of the medical officer of health and chief executive officer.

Loo's job description indicates she may also have assigned research and teaching responsibilities with Northern Ontario School of Medicine.