Canada's top doctor retiring ahead of time
Taylor, formerly a family physician, and Dr. David Butler-Jones's deputy, then as acting chief until he officially succeeded Butler-Jones in 2013, as Canada's chief public health Officer.
Butler-Jones was the first head of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), which was created in 2004 in response to the SARS crisis.
Although the position of Canada's chief public health Officer lasts for five years, Taylor’s plan for retirement after a little more than two years was not a surprise because he had told the selection committee at the time of his appointment that he would work only for two years.
Taylor said that his decision to retire was not based on any conflict over government policies.
He added Tuesday that it was an honour to have worked with two prime ministers, Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper, and their governments, and to be responsible for the health of Canadians.
Taylor will deliver his final report as chief public health officer on Thursday and said the position needed to be filled by a younger and more energetic doctor.
Taylor admitted although his role of caring for the whole nation’s health was rewarding, nevertheless it had been challenging. He added that his responsibilities did not end with the health concerns of the nation.
He had to provide leadership to Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and advice to the federal minister of health.
"As a family doctor you can make a huge difference in the lives of two (thousand), three thousand people. When you go into public health at the federal level, the opportunity's there to make a difference in the lives of 36 million people," said he.
During his term, he was involved with international efforts to stop the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, dealt with the Zika pandemic, provided travelling advice to Canadians on how to avoid exposure in southern regions.
His retirement plans included hiking, skiing and travelling with his wife "while I still have my health," said Taylor. "So I feel probably in the next 10 to 15 years, I need to get out there and do those things while I can."
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
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