Jun 4, 2021

Toronto Academic Health Science Network Appoints Incoming Chair

Dr. Andy Smith
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Dr. Andy Smith, President and CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, has been named incoming Chair of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN), effective September 1, 2021.

Andy has been a longstanding member of the University of Toronto, is a Professor of Surgery at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and has been a member of the TAHSN CEO table since 2017 upon his appointment as President and CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Over the past several years, Andy has championed several initiatives for TAHSN, including its focus on sustainable health systems and serving as CEO lead for TAHSN Education (TAHSNe). Andy has played a key leadership role on critically important initiatives including the crucial work on the healthcare system response during the pandemic and the development of principles that will inform TAHSN’s future growth.

Andy’s leadership and passion for establishing TAHSN as a leading academic network will be welcomed as we look towards emerging from the current pandemic.

TAHSN is extremely grateful for the leadership of current Chair, Dr. Gary Newton. Gary was appointed Chair of TAHSN in 2018 and during his tenure has led TAHSN through a time of significant change. Gary oversaw the strategic transition of TAHSN administration to the University of Toronto in 2019, which fortuitously positioned our network to meet the challenges of maintaining its academic commitment to quality care, health education and innovative research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gary also led the renewal of TAHSN’s governance approach that will enable growth and evolution of TAHSN in the years to come.

Gary’s foresight and leadership has ensured that TAHSN will emerge from the current situation stronger than before.