MONTREAL — Quebec is replacing its national public health director, with Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh taking over from Dr. Luc Boileau.

In a statement Wednesday, the government said Quach-Thanh’s term will begin Sept. 29.

The microbiologist and infectious disease specialist at Montreal’s Ste-Justine hospital became well-known among the public with her regular media appearances during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 53-year-old served on the federal National Advisory Committee on Immunization before and during the pandemic, overseeing vaccine guidelines in Canada.

Quach-Thanh is also a full professor at Université de Montréal in the department of microbiology, infectious diseases, and immunology, and the department of pediatrics.

Boileau has served as public health director since January 2022, and Health Minister Christian Dubé praised his expertise, experience and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boileau was caught up in a social media storm two weeks ago after video of him exchanging insults with an electric scooter driver in downtown Montreal went viral, with the doctor apologizing for his comments.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2025.

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