City physician named province’s medical officer of health

By Lethbridge Herald on December 19, 2025.

Lethbridge Herald Staff

Lead medical officer for the South Zone and local physician Vivien Suttorp has been selected as Alberta’s permanent chief medical officer of health.

The announcement comes after an extensive eight-month search, following the ending of previous chief medical officer Mark Joffe back in April.

Suttorp has over 25 years of experience in public health, preventative and community medicine across both urban and rural settings.

She has also spent the last 17 years as lead medical officer of health for the South Zone where she oversaw all aspects of public health while also supporting workplace health and safety along with infection prevention and control.

“I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Suttorp to this vital role and I look forward to her leadership in advancing public health priorities for all Albertans,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health, in a statement.

In the same statement, Suttorp said she looks forward to promoting a strong public health system for the province.

“I look forward to helping ensure the public healthcare needs of communities across Alberta are met.”

Suttorp succeeds Sunil Sookram who served in the position since April.