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
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
Fort Nelson, B.C., wildfire doubles in size as 3,000-plus ordered to evacuate
The wildfire that sparked Friday and caused evacuation orders for more than 3,000 people in Fort Nelson, B.C., and the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has grown to nearly 1,700 hectares in size, according to a Saturday morning update from the BC Wildfire Service.
Eurovision Song Contest final kicks off after protests, backstage chaos and a contestant's expulsion
The final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest kicked off Saturday in the Swedish city of Malmo after days of protests and offstage drama that have tipped the feelgood musical celebration into a chaotic pressure cooker overshadowed by the war in Gaza.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Haitians demand the resignation and arrest of the country's police chief after a new gang attack
A growing number of civilians and police officers are demanding the dismissal and arrest of Haiti's police chief as heavily armed gangs launched a new attack in the capital of Port-au-Prince, seizing control of yet another police station early Saturday.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.