Nova Scotia Appoints Cancer Commissioner
Dr. Andrew Padmos has been appointed the new commissioner of Cancer Care Nova Scotia, Health Minister Jim Smith announced today.
Dr. Padmos is the former director and chief executive officer of the Kingston Regional Cancer Centre in Kingston, Ont. He also served as professor and head of the departments of oncology at Queen's University and Kingston General and Hotel Dieu hospitals. His duties at the Nova Scotia Department of Health begin Sept. 1.
"We're very pleased to be able to welcome Dr. Andrew Padmos to Nova Scotia," said Dr. Smith. "Cancer is one of our primary health concerns, and having Dr. Padmos here in the Department of Health is the next step in our plan for comprehensive, integrated and accountable cancer care in Nova Scotia."
The commissioner of Cancer Care Nova Scotia is responsible for the overall planning, co-ordination and evaluation of cancer services and facilities in the province.
"We have ample statistics to highlight how serious a problem cancer is for Nova Scotians," said Dr. Padmos. "I hope that my experience and leadership will make a difference and that Cancer Care Nova Scotia will make progress in the support and treatment of cancer patients, as well as the prevention of this family of diseases."
Dr. John Ruedy, dean of the Dalhousie Medical School, announced today that Dr. Padmos has also been appointed associate dean of cancer programs in the faculty of medicine, as well as being appointed professor of medicine. "Dr. Padmos will play a key role in the strengthening of our teaching and research programs in cancer," he said.
Dr. Padmos will also serve as head of cancer programs at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre. "We look forward with enthusiasm to Dr. Padmos's arrival," said Dr. Keith Hamilton, vice-president of medical services at the hospital. "His joint roles at the QEII and the province will significantly improve our ability to deliver the highest level of care to cancer patients regardless of where they live."
A new Cancer Care Advisory Board will also be established along with the appointment of Dr. Padmos. The new board will work with the commissioner and will advise the minister of health on approaches to improving cancer care in Nova Scotia.