Toronto top doctor de Villa to undergo surgery following discovery of precancerous cells

Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health will undergo surgery on Wednesday after precancerous cells were identified as part of routine screening.

Eileen de Villa has served as Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health since 2017 and oversees the Toronto Public Health unit.

In a statement, Toronto’s top doctor says the precancerous cells were detected during a mammogram she underwent as part of a check-up in the summer.

“Any further treatment will be determined after the surgery,” de Villa said. “My story is not unique. Women throughout Toronto receive news like this every day. I want you to know I am receiving great care and that Toronto Public Health is in good hands with our Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey, who will be Acting Medical Officer of Health in my absence.”

De Villa urged Torontonians to use her as an example and undergo routine screening programs as recommended, saying she is grateful she took the time to get screened as it “has allowed me to get early detection and treatment.” She says she plans to return to work on December 20.

Mayor John Tory says he will continue work with Dr. Lamptey during de Villa’s recovery.

“On behalf of all Toronto residents, I wish her [de Villa] all the best as she undergoes surgery tomorrow. I have no doubt she will make a speedy recovery, and I look forward to continuing to work with her upon her return,” said Tory in a statement.

“Her professionalism and balance have been key to Toronto’s progress in fighting COVID-19. I also want to thank Dr. de Villa for stressing the importance of routine check-ups and visits with your family doctor.”

“Our goal remains the same, to help as many Toronto residents as possible get vaccinated and bring this pandemic to an end,” Tory added.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Health Minister Christine Elliott, Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie, and City Councillor Joe Cressy are among many to wish de Villa the best in her recovery.

“This pandemic has shown us that Dr. [Eileen de Villa] is a true fighter. On behalf of all Ontarians, I’m wishing her the very best and hope for her speedy return,” Ford tweeted on Tuesday.

“I’m glad to hear you are receiving excellent care and look forward to working together again very soon,” Elliott also tweeted.

“Keeping [Eileen de Villa] in our thoughts and sending her our best in the coming days,” Crombie wrote on Twitter. “Having worked closely with Eileen during her time as Peel’s Medical Officer of Health, I am confident she will recover and return stronger than before. We look forward to having you back.”

De Villa, formerly the medical officer of health for Peel Region, has gained province-wide recognition for her role in Toronto’s response to the pandemic. She was a driving force behind mandatory vaccinations for children and a notable voice encouraging eligible residents to get immunized at city-run mass clinics and hundreds of pharmacies.

Over five million vaccine doses have been administered in Toronto, with just under 86 per cent of people 12-and-up fully immunized. To date, more than 60,000 doses have been allocated to residents between five and 11 years old.