After helping guide Sarnia-Lambton through the COVID-19 pandemic, Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health announced his resignation on Wednesday after accepting a position in the Yukon.
Dr. Sudit Ranade's last day will be June 30. A reason for his resignation was not given. However, it has since been announced that Dr. Ranade has accepted a role as the Yukon's Chief Medical Officer of Health. He begins his position just days after he departs from Sarnia-Lambton on July 4.
"I am honoured to be appointed as the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health," Dr. Ranade said in a statement released from the Yukon read. "I look forward to working with the public health team, First Nations and community health leaders and other partners to build a strong public health system for the Yukon, including the implementation of the recommendations in Putting People First."
Lambton Public Health said Dr. Ranade will remain in an acting capacity to assist the county in the transition of his duties and responsibility.
Lambton Warden Kevin Marriott said he's shocked and sad to see Dr. Ranade go.
"Dr. Ranade brought us through the past two and a half years and it's sad to see him go with how well he did with the county through these horrible two and half years," said Marriott. "His respect seemed to grow with time. I think even those who didn't like some of the decisions at certain points during the pandemic were at the point lately where they understood where he was coming from. We'll be joining many others out there looking for an MOH. I know Chatham-Kent is looking, I believe Essex County is, and I know London is looking."
Lambton's General Manager for the Public Health Services Division Andrew Taylor said Dr. Ranade will be missed.
"We will certainly miss Dr. Ranade’s leadership, knowledge, compassion, and dedication to public health and the Lambton County community," said Taylor. "His ability to lead and transform our organization over the past decade and through a global pandemic has set us up for success for years to come."
Since being hired in September of 2012, Dr. Ranade has helped guide Lambton Public Health in the adoption of new strategic priorities and was instrumental in the development and implementation of the organization’s first strategic plan.
This plan helped formalize the process for reviewing organization practices and identifying public health priorities.
Lambton Public Health said the recruitment process for Dr. Ranade's replacement has already begun.
-With files from Melanie Irwin