York Region confirms appointment of new Medical Officer of Health

Newmarket – York Regional Council has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Fareen Karachiwalla as York Region Medical Officer of Health, effective immediately. This position requires approval from the Ontario Minister of Health and was approved on August 12, 2025.

“Public Health plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe and healthy,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. “On behalf of Regional Council, I extend my appreciation for the ongoing expertise of Dr. Karachiwalla, who continues to help advance public policies and programs that help prevent disease, promote wellness, respond to public health emergencies and improve access to services.”

Dr. Karachiwalla is a Public Health and Preventive Medicine specialist as well as Family Physician. She joined York Region in 2018 as an Associate Medical Officer of Health supporting several initiatives, including health professional engagement, Child and Family Health and Infectious Diseases Control. Her key interests are health equity, healthy public policy and community engagement.

Dr. Karachiwalla holds a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Western Ontario and completed her specialty training at the University of Toronto. She holds a master’s degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University with a focus on health systems and policy. Dr. Karachiwalla maintains a part-time clinical practice focusing on people with complex mental health and addiction and those experiencing homelessness. Most recently, she was the recipient of the King’s Charles III Coronation Medal for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Karachiwalla. She has demonstrated unwavering dedication and expertise in safeguarding the health and well-being of York Region residents,” said York Region Chief Administrative Officer, Erin Mahoney. “Her leadership is instrumental in guiding our communities to a healthy, thriving and connected future.”

In Ontario, Medical Officers of Health provide public health expertise, support health surveillance, population health and infectious disease control initiatives on issues of public health importance in their communities. Legislated by the Health Protection and Promotion Act, York Region Public Health is governed by Regional Council in its role as Board of Health and is responsible to carry out legislative responsibilities and operate mandated programs.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.29 million residents and 57,000 businesses with approximately 624,000 employees. More information about York Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices

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Media Contact:

Tamara Ostrowski, Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 905-251-6412
@email