Toronto's top doctor taking leave of absence for surgery following results of mammogram
Toronto's top doctor says she is taking a brief leave of absence in order to have surgery following the results of a mammogram.
In a statement issued Tuesday evening, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa said pre-cancerous cells were discovered through a routine mammogram this past summer.
“These cells need to be removed through surgery, which I am scheduled to undergo tomorrow. Any further treatment will be determined after the surgery,” de Villa said in her statement.
While she could not yet say what course any further treatment might take, she is scheduled to return to work on Dec. 20.
She added that her story “is not unique.”
“Women throughout Toronto receive news like this every day. I want you to know that I am receiving great care and that Toronto Public Health is in good hands with our Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey, who will be Acting Medical Officer of Health in my absence.”
She urged others to take part in routine screenings, as recommended by professionals, to catch health problems early.
“I am grateful that I took the time to get screened as it has allowed me to have early detection and treatment. I am planning to return to work on December 20 and will look forward to seeing you then,” de Villa said.
A regular fixture at news conferences alongside Mayor John Tory, de Villa has guided Toronto's response to COVID-19 since the pandemic began. She also makes regular appearances on CP24 and other outlets to answer questions from the public about COVID-19.
In a statement, Tory praised de Villa and wished her a speedy recovery.
“On behalf of all Toronto residents, I wish her all the best as she undergoes surgery tomorrow. I have no doubt she will make a speedy recovery and I look forward to continuing to work with her upon her return,” Tory said. “Her professionalism and balance have been key to Toronto's progress in fighting COVID-19.”
He said the city’s work to ensure that “as many Toronto residents as possible get vaccinated” will continue in the meantime.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called de Villa a “true fighter” in a tweet and wished her well.
“This pandemic has shown us that Dr. @epdevilla is a true fighter,” Ford wrote. “On behalf of all Ontarians, I’m wishing her the very best and hope for her speedy return.”
Coun. Joe Cressy, who chairs the Toronto Board of Health, also praised the city’s top doctor for her leadership and wished her a quick recovery.
“Throughout the pandemic, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa has guided us every step of the way – from making tough calls to reduce COVID-19 transmission, to spearheading the most expansive vaccination program in our city's history. She has truly been ‘the people's doctor,’” Cressy said in a statement.
“I know all Torontonians will join me in sending her strength and wishing her a quick recovery following her scheduled surgery. I look forward to having Dr. de Villa – and her trademark scarves – back with Team Toronto soon.”
De Villa has served as Toronto’s medical officer of health since 2017. She is also an adjunct professor at the Dalla Lana School of Health at the University of Toronto.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.
Cargo ship had engine maintenance in port before Baltimore bridge collapse, officials say
The cargo ship that lost power and crashed into a bridge in Baltimore underwent 'routine engine maintenance' in port beforehand, the U.S. Coast Guard said Wednesday.
'Ninja,' Twitch's biggest streamer, is diagnosed with skin cancer
American gamer and Twitch superstar, Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins, revealed he was diagnosed with melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
Donald Trump assails judge and his daughter after gag order in N.Y. hush-money criminal case
Donald Trump lashed out Wednesday at the New York judge who put him under a gag order that bars him from commenting publicly about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and jurors in his upcoming hush-money criminal trial.
Here's what Trudeau says the upcoming federal budget will offer renters
The federal government will create a new 'Canadian Renters' Bill of Rights,' which would require landlords to disclose their properties' rental price history to prospective tenants.