COAST SALISH TERRITORY (Vancouver, BC)—The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is proud to announce the selection of Dr. Evan Adams as Chief Medical Officer. Following a Canada-wide recruitment effort, Dr. Adams—who was born and raised in British Columbia and a member of the Tla'amin (Sliammon) First Nation—will assume the CMO position on December 1, 2014.

In his role as CMO, Dr. Adams will provide invaluable leadership representing the FNHA while working alongside government partners on health matters in population and public health that affect First Nations and all British Columbians.

"It has been a lifelong dream to work directly with First Nations and Aboriginal peoples on our wellness and prosperity at this level. I'm grateful to the Office of the Provincial Health Officer for the past seven and a half years. I feel like I'm coming home," states Dr. Adams.

Adams was previously appointed as Deputy Provincial Health Officer and worked alongside Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall and Deputy PHO Dr. Eric Young. In this role, he provided independent direction on First Nations and Aboriginal health issues to the Ministry of Health, reporting to citizens on health issues affecting the general population, and setting out a path for the improvement of First Nations and Aboriginal health and wellness.

"I would like to offer my congratulations to Dr. Adams on his new appointment," said Health Minister Terry Lake. "Dr. Adams has been a tremendous asset to the province as Deputy Provincial Health Officer, and, while he will be missed, I know he will help to further advance the health of First Nations and Aboriginal people here in BC in his new role."

"The FNHA has made a great choice in Dr. Adams—he is an exceptional public health practitioner. His years with my office were marked by his dedication to improving the health of Aboriginal people in BC," said Dr. Perry Kendall, Provincial Health Officer. "I learned a tremendous amount from Evan and I wish him every success in this next stage of his path, and I look forward to continuing work with Evan in his new role."

Adams will lead a team of FNHA physicians—health and wellness partners to BC First Nations—who will continue to focus on First Nations health and wellness to create and shape a unique health care model that is the first of its kind in Canada. He will be a major contributor to the continued transformation of health care and improving access and quality of health care services while responding to the wellness directives provided by First Nations communities. 

"Dr. Evan Adams brings to this role invaluable on-the-ground and leadership experience combined with passion and heart for this important work for our First Nations communities in BC," said FNHA Chief Executive Officer, Joe Gallagher. "With great enthusiasm and pride, we welcome him aboard as our Chief Medical Officer and congratulate him on taking on yet another career-defining role. Evan taking on this integral role makes our executive team whole."