New Chief Medical Officer: Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball
The Ministry of Health and Seniors announced that Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball has been appointed to the position of Chief Medical Officer [CMO], effective June 1st, 2013.
Dr. Peek-Ball has been Acting CMO since January 2012, after Dr. John Cann’s retirement on December 31st 2011.
Dr. Peek-Ball has a Master’s in Public Health from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, an M.D. degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and a B.A. degree [Biology major] from Swarthmore College.
She has worked for the Department of Health since 1990 where she began as a Medical Officer for Maternal Health & Family Planning before becoming Senior Medical Officer in December 2009. She is a member of the Bermuda Medical Doctors Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Peek-Ball is also the founder of the Conscious Parenting Movement where she is the host and facilitator of parenting workshops, in conjunction with Child Development Program.
The Ministry of Health and Seniors can also announce today the completed transfer of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer from within the Department of Health to the Ministry of Health and Seniors Headquarters.
The Office of the CMO has broad and numerous statutory duties and responsibilities as well as serving as the focal point of communication with the international health community.
The Minister of Health Patricia Gordon-Pamplin explained the need for this change saying, “To carry out its numerous national and international functions, in an increasingly complex and demanding health environment, changes had to be made to the structure of this office – a situation which had been recognized for nearly two decades in various Management Services Reviews.
“Within the new structure The Chief Medical Officer reports to the Permanent Secretary of Health, as previously, but is no longer tasked with the day to day operations and responsibilities as the accounting officer and Head of the Department of Health.
“The result of this change allows the Office to focus more appropriately on its unique statutory and regulatory roles in a fashion which will better address the emerging health needs of the island and international community.”
Additionally, a new post of Director for the Department of Health has been created and Mr. David Kendell will be the Acting Director while recruitment for a full time Director takes place.
Dr. Peek-Ball said: “In my new role as CMO there are many exciting projects which I am keen to help facilitate in the coming year, especially with regards to increasing the research function of the OCMO. This includes carrying out various health assessments so we can better address emerging health problems in Bermuda.
“This year, I am especially excited about the STEPS to a Well Bermuda Survey which we are implementing in partnership with the BHB, the Caribbean Public Health Agency and the University of the West Indies.”
The STEPS survey is a World Health Organization [WHO] initiative used in over 85 countries and aimed at determining the prevalence of chronic disease risk factors in the community using a standardized tool. This allows for between country comparison and tracking of health risk factor trends over time. Risk factors for diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and other chronic diseases will be assessed.
“We look forward to obtaining a more accurate estimate of the prevalence of these diseases as well,” said Dr. Peek Ball. “It is our first-ever collaboration using the WHO STEPS protocol, and we will be rolling it out over the next year. No doubt, this will entail an enormous amount of work and focus to complete, and we will need to call on a broad range of resources to accomplish the task. But that is what public health is all about, collaboration to solve problems!
“Mostly I am looking forward to the privilege of continuing to work alongside the most energetic, creative and passionate health care professionals imaginable. My colleagues in the DOH and within MOHS have been consistently supportive, helpful and encouraging. Assuming a leadership role in this environment is both humbling and exciting and I mean this most sincerely.”
Congrats cuzzzzzzzo!
GREAT NEWS….Your God daughter has so many BIG shoes to step into by ALL her God-Ma(s).
CONGRATULATIONS to a post well-deserved!
good luck in your new postion and god bless you
Congratulations! I pray that through your work, Bermuda will be a healthier place!
Congratulations Dr. Peek-Ball. I think you must be the first woman to hold that post.
CONGRATULATIONSSSSSS Cheryl.. I remember well your graduation from Jefferson Med and having dinner at that restaurant in Philadelphia welcoming you as the first Doctor in our family. You have been a shining example as a wife, mother, daughter-in-law and a welcome addition to all your new found family here in Bermuda. We are proud of all your accomplishments and hard work in achieving your present position. Those who know you are confident that you will excel….
Congratulations Dr. Peek-Ball,
You were always the best Doctor.
I am proud to have been your patient.
You are the finest and well deserving.
Best wishes to you and your family.
(Cuzz)
P. Holdipp