A new Chief of Staff took up her post last Friday at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.
Dr. Erica Van Daalen succeeds Dr. Waleed Chehadi, who has held the post since 2016.
Dr. Van Daalen was formerly Chief of the Emergency Department at the hospital, a position she called a good fit.
She pursued her medical degree at the University of Toronto and completed specialty training in family medicine and emergency medicine at Western University, where she had graduated with an undergraduate degree in genetics and cell biology.
She is the first in her family to pursue a medical career, admitting medicine has always been a calling for her.
“It’s a field that allows me to combine my love for working with people and my desire to make a meaningful impact on their lives, especially during challenging times.
She told myFM she is excited to lead such a talented and dedicated team.
She is still an active physician in the chemotherapy unit. And, more than ever, she is committed to helping the hospital grow and thrive.
That is why Dr. Daalen applied for the role of Chief of Staff and she explained the process.
She outlined the role and importance of a Chief of Staff.
Karen Davies, hospital President and CEO stressed Dr. Daalen’s “dedication to patient care, combined with her leadership experience and community involvement make her an outstanding addition to our hospital’s leadership team.”
