“Histories don’t make men; men make histories.”
Dr. Everton Gooden has resumed office as the new President and CEO of North York General Hospital (NYGH), Canada’s number one academic community hospital and one of the world’s top 100 hospitals.
Dr. Gooden’s appointment has further fueled the “Canadian dream” and boosted the hopes and morale of more than 8 million immigrants with Canadian permanent residence.
Dr. Gooden who started his new executive role in December has a deep connection to NYGH and the communities. He joined NYGH more than 20 years ago, and over that time has combined clinical, administrative, and leadership experience, serving as Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee, President of the Medical Staff Association, Division Chief of Head and Neck Surgery, and as a member of the NYGH Foundation Board.
In addition to being an active surgeon and physician leader, Dr. Gooden’s compassion and concern for the wellbeing of others extends well beyond his clinical work to his involvement in local, national, and global humanitarian organizations driving progressive change.
Currently, Dr. Gooden sits on the Board of Face the Future Foundation, volunteers with the Kenya Relief Organization, and is a member of the Black Opportunity Fund’s Healthcare Working Group.
“North York is growing rapidly and is home to one of Toronto’s most culturally diverse and largest seniors’ populations,” said Bert Clark, Chair of NYGH Board of Governors.
“Dr. Gooden is the ideal person to lead us forward as we transform patient care in North Toronto and undertake the largest capital redevelopment in NYGH’s 50-plus years to meet changing community needs. As a standard-bearer for NYGH’s people-centred culture, Dr. Gooden has earned trust throughout NYGH and with partners for his unwavering commitment to the betterment of our communities and patient care.”
Dr. Gooden is a trailblazer for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and has long viewed health equity as integral to excellent quality of care.
This passion led him to establish and co-chair NYGH’s First Anti-Black Racism Steering Committee, and to champion the establishment of NYGH’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office, EDI Framework and action planning to tackle Anti-Black Racism at NYGH and in our communities.
“I am deeply honoured for the opportunity to work with the incredible staff, physicians, learners, volunteers, partners and donors of North York General, each of whom has a shared purpose: to ensure compassionate, timely and exceptional care to our patients and their families,” said Dr. Gooden.
“Together, we will advance new standards of care in the hospital, in the community, and in people’s homes. I am committed to increased investment in our people, strengthening our clinical, community and academic partnerships, advancing our philanthropy, and building the North York General Hospital of the future for all the communities we serve.”
