Chatham-Kent medical officer Dr. David Colby.

By the end of 2022, Chatham-Kent’s top doctor will be retiring. 

Dr. David Colby has announced he will be stepping aside as the municipality’s medical officer at the end of the year.

Colby took over the reins at Public Health in 2003, overseeing the organization’s response to H1N1 and enacting smoking bylaws in 2009, and has championed issues including food policy and travel immunization clinics in the community. 

Municipal officials also credit Dr. Colby with helping to tackle Chatham-Kent’s opioid crisis and continuing to address food insecurity in the community.

 “Dr. Colby’s leadership throughout his time as our Medical Officer of Health has been commendable,” said Health Board Chair Joe Faas. “On behalf of the Board, staff, and the community, I thank Dr. Colby for his years of dedication and service to Chatham-Kent.”

Municipal and Public Health officials will soon begin the recruitment process for a new medical officer.

More to come.