Dr. Zahn has a 40-year history of contributions to the Ontario health care sector, both as a practicing physician and in progressive leadership roles at the University Health Network. Prior to this appointment with Ontario Health’s board, she served as Deputy Minister of Health (2021 – 2024) and as President and CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (2009 – 2021).
Throughout her career, Dr. Zahn has worked to promote equitable access to health care for Ontarians, including those with mental illness. She has made numerous contributions through her leadership in hospital integration, technology assessment, chronic disease management, stroke care coordination and health care system integration.
Dr. Zahn is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto (U of T) and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She received her MD (honours) from the Faculty of Medicine at U of T, where she completed her residency training in neurology. She also holds an MSc in health administration from U of T and has completed the Directors Education Program at the Rotman School of Management. Recent honours include membership in the Order of Canada, Doctor of Laws degrees (honoris causa) from Western University and Toronto Metropolitan University, the Bryden Award for Outstanding Achievement (York University) and the Faculty of Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award (U of T).
