Eilish Cleary

Canadian public health physician

Dr. Eilish Cleary

Eilish Cleary is a prominent public health physician known for her contributions to epidemiology and public health policy in Canada. She has served in various capacities, including as the Chief Medical Officer of Health for New Brunswick, where she played a pivotal role in addressing public health challenges and implementing health policies.

Early Life and Education

Eilish Cleary was born in Ireland and pursued her medical education at the University of Dublin, where she earned her medical degree. She later specialized in public health and preventive medicine, obtaining further qualifications in epidemiology and public health administration. Her early career was marked by a commitment to improving health outcomes through evidence-based practices.

Career

Public Health Leadership

Dr. Cleary's career in public health began in Ireland, where she worked on various health initiatives aimed at improving community health standards. Her expertise in epidemiology and her ability to communicate complex health information effectively led to her recruitment by the Canadian public health system.

In Canada, Dr. Cleary became the Chief Medical Officer of Health for New Brunswick, a position she held from 2008 to 2015. During her tenure, she was instrumental in managing public health crises, including outbreaks of infectious diseases and the implementation of vaccination programs. Her leadership was characterized by a focus on transparency, community engagement, and the use of scientific evidence to guide public health decisions.

Notable Contributions

Dr. Cleary is particularly noted for her work during the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009, where she coordinated the province's response, ensuring the effective distribution of vaccines and public education on preventive measures. Her efforts were crucial in mitigating the impact of the pandemic in New Brunswick.

She also advocated for policies addressing environmental health issues, including the health impacts of shale gas development. Her report on the potential health risks associated with shale gas exploration was a significant contribution to the public discourse on environmental health policy in Canada.

Challenges and Controversies

In 2015, Dr. Cleary was placed on leave from her position as Chief Medical Officer of Health, a decision that sparked public outcry and debate over the independence of public health officials. The circumstances surrounding her leave were not fully disclosed, leading to discussions about the role of political influence in public health administration.

Later Work and Legacy

After her tenure in New Brunswick, Dr. Cleary continued to contribute to public health through consultancy and advisory roles. Her work has been recognized for its impact on public health policy and her advocacy for the integration of health considerations in environmental policy.

Related Pages

• Public health
• Epidemiology
• Chief Medical Officer
• H1N1 influenza pandemic
• Environmental health