Catherine Zahn

Catherine Zahn is a prominent figure in the field of mental health and healthcare leadership in Canada. Here are the key points about her:

Professional Role

Catherine Zahn served as the President and CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) from 2009 to 2021.13 CAMH is Canada's leading mental health hospital, and under her leadership, it underwent significant expansion and renewal.1

Medical Background

Dr. Zahn received her MD with honors from the University of Toronto, where she also completed her residency in neurology. She holds an MSc in health administration from the same institution.1

Academic Positions

She is a Professor in the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.1

Advocacy and Contributions

Dr. Zahn is known for:

• Championing the integration of psychiatry and neuroscience
• Promoting equitable access to healthcare for people with mental illness
• Contributing to healthcare improvements in areas such as hospital integration, chronic disease management, and mental health care system enhancement12

Awards and Recognition

Her notable honors include:

• Membership in the Order of Canada
• Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Western University and Ryerson University
• Named one of Canada's 100 most powerful women by the Women's Executive Network
• Recognized as one of Canada's 25 Women of Influence2

Current Position

As of 2021, Dr. Zahn left her role at CAMH to become the Deputy Minister of Health for Ontario.4

Catherine Zahn's career demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing mental health care and advocacy in Canada, combining medical expertise with leadership in healthcare administration and public policy.