Gold Sponsors
Dr. Robert Strang is Chief Medical Officer of Health in Nova Scotia appointed in August 2007. He received his medical degree from University of British Columbia and completed Family Practice and Community Medicine residencies at UBC.
Dr. Strang was an Associate Medical Officer of Health in South Fraser Health, BC, from 1997-1999 and in 1999, he moved to Halifax to become Medical Officer of Health for Capital District Health Authority. He was acting provincial Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health prior to his CMOH appointment.
As CMOH, he has provided leadership around the renewal of the public health system in Nova Scotia as well as raising awareness around the importance of creating policies and environments that support better health for Nova Scotian families and communities.
He is passionate about public health and has worked with non-government organizations such as Smoke Free Nova Scotia, Heart and Stroke Foundation and Public Health Association of Nova Scotia.
Dr. Strang has an adjunct appointment with Dalhousie University, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology.
Silver Sponsors
Dr. French is a thoracic surgeon and assistant professor at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He completed a Bachelor of Engineering degree at Dalhousie University, followed by a Masters of Applied Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees at the University of British Columbia. His surgical training includes completing the general surgery residency program at Dalhousie University and a thoracic surgery residency program at the University of Ottawa. His clinical and research interests are focused on quality outcomes for thoracic malignancies. He has been a trauma team leader since 2017 at the QEII in Halifax. He co-chairs the Nova Scotia Thoracic Tumor Board, chairs the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons National Quality Improvement Committee and is a member of the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute and the Nova Scotia Lung Association Medical Advisory Committee.
Bronze Sponsors
Jenny Cameron is the Supervisor for the TeleHealth Mental Health and Addictions program. This program includes Tobacco Free Nova Scotia and Gambling Support Network. Jenny has been in this position for six years, and has practiced in the field of social work for seventeen years. On top of supervising this program, Jenny also works within the program as a Clinical Therapist. Jenny holds a Master of Social Work degree (MSW) and a Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW). She has training specific to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), smoking cessation, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
Laura Kennedy is trained as a Registered Nurse. She has practiced as a Health Promoter with Mental Health and Addictions - Nova Scotia Health Authority since 2017. She received her Master of Public Health from Memorial University of Newfoundland and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McMaster University. Laura is a board member of Smoke Free Nova Scotia. She is also a PhD Candidate at Dalhousie University. Her research explores quality improvement and health promotion within the health system. Laura enjoys hiking and taking her dog Molly for long walks.
Shaun Goodwin is a registered social worker who has been working for Mental Health and Addictions since 2010. Shaun is currently the Community Wellness Supports manager responsible for providing operational and strategic oversight of health promotion initiatives, including tier 1 and 2 programs and activities aimed to support the mental health and wellness of the population as a whole. One of these programs includes Nicotine Cessation Treatment in Northern Zone Nova Scotia.
Myles Davidson is an independent researcher who specializes in sexual abuse and substance use prevention. He completed his undergraduate degree in criminology and psychology at Saint Mary’s University in 2021, graduating with highest distinction. Recently, he also completed his master’s degree in forensic psychology at Saint Mary’s University. The author of numerous academic publications, Myles has conducted and published research in the areas of sexual offending, child sexual abuse prevention, substance use prevention, and youth vaping. Myles is also the recipient of several academic and financial awards including the Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship, the Scotia Scholar Award, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Award, the Saint Mary’s University Student Leadership Recognition Award, and an excellence in teaching award from the Council of Canadian Departments of Psychology. During his time with the Lung Association of Nova Scotia, Myles helped carry out the 2020 Youth and Young Adult Vaping Project, a nationwide project examining vaping in young people. This project was one of the catalysts for vaping legislation in Nova Scotia and abroad. Recently, Myles completed an industry surveillance scan of tobacco and vaping industry practices in Nova Scotia for Smoke-Free Nova Scotia. Outside of research, Myles is an accomplished professional musician and singer-songwriter. In the future, Myles aspires to complete his doctoral degree and become a full-time faculty member in forensic psychology.
Dr. Sabapathy was appointed as the Deputy Chief Public Health Officer for the province of Prince Edward Island in 2014. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and completed his medical degree and specialist training in Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the University of Calgary. Dr. Sabapathy holds a Master of Science in Health Services Research and a Clinical Fellowship in Applied Public Health Research.
Prior to his appointment, Dr. Sabapathy held roles in public health, health service delivery, and health administration. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Master of Business Administration and worked as a licensed professional engineer with Imperial Oil from 1995 to 2004.