Change in SLFNHA public health physicians - Dr. Lloyd Douglas named to position as Dr. John Guilfoyle retires

Tim Brody - Editor

A passing of the torch at Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA), as the organization bids farewell to public health physician, Dr. John Guilfoyle and welcomes new public health physician Dr. Lloyd Douglas.

Guilfoyle joined SLFNHA in June 2020 to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Dr. John Guilfoyle brought a very calming presence when the communities that we serve needed it the most,” said James Morris, Executive Director of SLFNHA. “His hard work and dedication will be always remembered. We wish John a well-deserved and happy retirement.” 

SLFNHA shared that Dr. Guilfoyle became, “a trusted source for the Sioux Lookout region through his video updates, calls with community leaders, and through the numerous virtual meetings.”

“We are very grateful for John’s calm and strong leadership during this challenging year,” said Emily Paterson, Director of Approaches to Community Wellbeing. “I appreciate the support and advocacy he provided for Approaches to Community Wellbeing.”  

SLFNHA has selected Dr. Lloyd Douglas to fill the role of public health physician.

Dr. Douglas grew up in Jamaica and emigrated to Ottawa with his family in 2010. Three years later, Dr. Douglas and his family moved to Sioux Lookout

Dr. Douglas graduated from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine with family medicine training in 2016, as well as Public Health and Preventive Medicine in 2019. He then worked for the Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA) as a physician consultant.

“My experiences in the region helped me understand the passion of the five men from the Sandy Lake First Nation who went on a hunger strike, in 1988, to protest health inequities in First Nation communities,” Dr. Douglas said. “Like the ‘Amik’ (beaver), I am focused on supporting and leading a team to continue working, patiently yet persistently, with federal, provincial, and regional partners to continue the implementation of a First Nations-based and governed public health system for SLFNHA area communities. I look forward to serving the Anishinaabe people of this land on their journey to good health,” he concluded.

SLFNHA was established in 1990 and represents 31 communities to provide health services and client advocacy.