Dr. Mieke Koehoorn appointed Vice-Dean, Academic Affairs in the Faculty of Medicine

A message from the Director:

Following today’s announcement from the Faculty of Medicine, I am absolutely delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our SPPH colleague Dr. Mieke Koehoorn on her appointment to the position of Vice-Dean, Academic Affairs in the Faculty of Medicine. Mieke’s dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to her responsibilities and public health as a whole have truly paid off, and this new role is a testament to her exceptional skills and talents. I speak with one voice when say that that we all miss her dearly, even though she is just moving across the street to the Dean’s office.

Dr. Koehoorn has made a significant impact in her work and tenure with the School of Population and Public Health, serving as the Associate Director, Research, and Co-director of the Partnership for Work, Health and Safety, a research partnership between UBC and WorkSafeBC. She has been a trusted colleague, advisor and friend to me and an important part of our School’s leadership for many years. She has inspired many students in their public health studies through her excellence in teaching, demonstrated by the many awards she has garnered over the years and for her exceptional contribution to the learning environment. Throughout her time here at SPPH, Mieke has consistently demonstrated leadership and a remarkable ability to inspire those around her. Her positive attitude, teamwork, and innovative approach have not only made a significant impact on our School but have also created a wonderful and supportive work and teaching environment.

Dr. Mieke Koehoorn’s program of research focuses on current and emerging issues in occupational health and covers issues related to the surveillance and epidemiology of occupational injury disease in B.C., and the evaluation of workers’ compensation policies and programs. She also has a special interest in using “big data”, including workers’ compensation data, for population-based health research.

Mieke, thank you for your tremendous passion and contribution to our School and public health as a whole. As you embark on this exciting new chapter in your career, I have no doubt that you will continue to shine brightly and make even greater strides in your professional journey and research while continuing to inspire our future health experts and leaders. I know that you will embrace this challenge with enthusiasm and grace. Your skills, expertise, and passion will undoubtedly be an asset to the Faculty of Medicine and we look forward to continuing to work with you in this new capacity. Please know that you have the unwavering support of the entire School. We are all thrilled for you and look forward to witnessing your continued success.

Dr. Rachel Murphy, has been appointed as Mieke’s replacement as Associate Director Research to develop and expand the School’s research capacity and provide research strategic directions in the areas of research infrastructure and enhancement in population and public health. Dr. Murphy will coordinate the ARPT’s activities. Rachel will be supported in this role by the Associate Director, Academic Affairs and Partnerships.

Dr. Louise Masse’s role as Associate Director Partnerships and Community Engagement has been re-focused to Associate Director Academic Affairs and Partnerships. Dr. Masse will be responsible for developing the School’s Workload policy and Annual Activity Report. Louise will continue to work in her role in Partnerships to develop and expand the relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Dr. Craig Mitton, will assume role of Advisor on Community Engagement to the School Director and will be responsible for providing leadership in support of community engagement and developing and expanding community relations with internal and external stakeholders. Dr. Mitton will be responsible for alumni and student engagement activities, working with TAPPHS and on Indigenous recruitment. Craig will provide directions for SPPH EDI Lead to promote a respectful learning and work environment and to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Welcome to our new faculty leadership colleagues. I look forward to working together as a team!

Warmest Regards,
Dr. Aslam Anis, Director of the School of Population and Public Health