Dr. Homer Tien was recently named the head of Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force

Dr. Homer Tien, an associate professor in University of Toronto’s department of surgery in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was recently named the head of Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force.

Dr. Tien, who’s also a surgeon at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the president and CEO of Ornge, Ontario’s air ambulance agency, replaced retired Gen. Rick Hillier, whose contract expired at the end of March. Tien has been a member of the task force since its inception and was instrumental in executing Operation Remote Immunity, a mission to immunize remote and isolated Indigenous communities. Read more on U of T News.

Prior to joining Ornge, Dr. Tien was Medical Director for the Tory Regional Trauma Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. He has also served as a trauma surgeon and the Chief of Military Medical and Surgical Specialties with the Canadian Forces, working in combat zones like Afghanistan and the Former Yugoslavia. Dr. Tien was honoured with the Order of Military Merit, presented to members of the Canadian Forces who demonstrate dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.