August 11, 2025
Hi everyone,
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Johan Viljoen as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Health PEI, following a comprehensive national search by a leading executive firm specializing in senior healthcare leadership recruitment.
Dr. Viljoen worked for Health PEI prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and recently joined Health PEI again in January 2025 as the interim CMO. He has already made a tremendous impact in his time here, demonstrating exemplary leadership, collaboration, and commitment to Islanders. His approachable and thoughtful leadership style, combined with a deep commitment to listening and putting patients first, has been widely recognized and appreciated by colleagues.
With over three decades of experience in healthcare leadership, Dr. Viljoen most recently served as Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs at Niagara Health. There he provided strategic direction and leadership to a team of over 650 physicians across multiple sites, playing a key role in system transformation. Dr. Viljoen also practiced as an OBGYN in rural Alberta, and previously worked with Health PEI, bringing valuable insight into our local healthcare landscape.
In alignment with medical bylaws, a selection committee comprised of Health PEI physicians played a vital role in recruiting and engaging candidates aligned with our values and strategic direction. Please join me in thanking Dr. Javier Salabarria, Dr. Tyler McDonell, Dr. Pat Bergin, Dr. Heather Austin, Dr. Richard Wedge, Dr. Preston Smith, and Maura McKinnon, Interim HR Executive, for their participation. I would also like to thank the Health PEI Board who played an instrumental role in the recruitment process and this appointment, ensuring alignment with our organization’s goals and the evolving needs of our healthcare system.
The CMO has a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Prince Edward Island and advancing Health PEI’s strategic priorities. As the most senior medical leader within Health PEI, Dr. Viljoen will provide strategic leadership to ensure Islanders receive high quality, safe medical care across the province.
Dr. Viljoen’s academic and clinical leadership experience, combined with his legal and executive education, position him uniquely to lead Health PEI through a period of transformation and growth. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Viljoen on this important role. We look forward to his continued leadership as we work together to transform the healthcare system for Islanders.
Mel