Event Details

This PHO Rounds provides an overview of current epidemiological trends for COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in Ontario, Canada and internationally. The session describes the planned approach to testing across the provincial laboratory network for respiratory viruses for the 2025-26 season. Additionally, it highlights provincial resources available to support surveillance of and testing for respiratory viruses.

Michael Whelan, MSc is an Epidemiologist Lead in the Communicable Diseases Control portfolio at Public Health Ontario. His portfolio includes influenza and emerging respiratory viruses, tuberculosis, legionellosis, and invasive group A streptococcal disease. Mike completed his MSc. in Epidemiology at Queen’s University.

Dr. Maan Hasso, MD FRCPC is a Medical Microbiologist at Public Health Ontario and is the lead for respiratory viral detection. He completed his medical degree as well as a Master’s degree in medical microbiology from Baghdad University in Iraq. In 2020, he graduated from the medical microbiology residency and fellowship program in the Department of Laboratory and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, and completed the certificate in Medical Microbiology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Dr. Mary Choi is a Senior Medical Consultant at the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Public Health. She is a Public Health and Preventive Medicine specialist who has worked extensively with stakeholders across government, health care, and community sectors as part of Ontario’s COVID-19 pandemic response, and more recently, as Associate Medical Officer of Health at the Region of Peel where she provided strategic leadership in the coordination of a multisectoral respiratory season preparedness and response. In her current role at the Ministry of Health, she provides public health advice and expertise to support the province’s policy and program development initiatives aimed at advancing health equity and improving population health outcomes.

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.

College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.

PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.