TOPHC 2026 Regional Convention

Public Health Ontario continues to support public health units and other health care partners as they respond to a growing number of infection prevention and control (IPAC) lapse related inquiries, consultations, and risk assessments. A recurring theme in these lapses is the failure to reprocess equipment and devices in accordance with best practices.

This full-day workshop offers participant foundational and applied knowledge on the core principles of reprocessing in community health care settings operated by regulated health professionals and other settings where sterilization occurs. Through interactive discussion, hands-on activities with real world examples, and solution-sharing across public health units, attendees will build skills to support their work identifying common reprocessing challenges, assessing associated risks, and coaching clinical office and service setting staff and operators toward corrective actions that align with best practice

Featured Speakers

• Diane Durk, B.Sc., BA.Sc., CPHI (C), CIC, Certified Public Health Inspector, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health

• Crystal Hendry, Certified Public Health Inspector, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health

• Raymond Gullekson, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Specialist, Public Health Ontario

• Catherine Kerr, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Specialist, Public Health Ontario

Facilitator

• Anne Augustin, Team Lead, Outbreak Response and Support, Infection Prevention and Control, Response and System Support, Public Health Ontario

Genomics is rapidly becoming an integral part of routine public health and clinical practice for infectious diseases in Ontario. At Public Health Ontario (PHO), genomic data is routinely integrated with laboratory and epidemiological data, an emerging field called genomic epidemiology, which provides actionable insights into outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and broader pathogen transmissions patterns. Compared with traditional molecular and culture-based testing, genomic approaches offer higher resolution and faster turnaround times.

The goal of this workshop is to help attendees:

1. understand how genomic epidemiology is applied within Ontario’s disease surveillance system, and

2. learn how to evaluate and interpret genomic data and phylogenetic analyses used for disease surveillance, outbreak support, and clinical decision making.

This workshop is intended for individuals interested in learning about how genomics can support public health professionals and clinicians; and help attendees to learn how to interpret genome-based results, including phylogenetic trees, AMR predictions, and genomic surveillance or outbreak reports. 

Featured Speakers

• Dr. Venkata Duvvuri, MPH, Ph.D., Scientist (Machine Learning) and Assistant Professor, Public Health Ontario & University of Toronto

• Dr. Tom Braukmann, Ph.D., Scientist (Genomics) and Assistant Professor, Public Health Ontario & University of Toronto

• Dr. Angela Ma, Ph.D., D(ABMM), FCCM, Clinical Microbiologist and Assistant Professor, Public Health Ontario & University of Toronto

Explore practices for embedding and implementing decolonial approaches within public health organizations. This workshop will emphasize community-centered, decolonial strategies and co-creation approaches. Participants will have an opportunity to practice critical reflexivity and to engage in assembling pragmatic strategies to decolonize their practice.

Featured Speakers

• Dr. Onye Nnorom, MDCM, CCFP, MPH, FRCPC, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health , Province of Ontario

• Dr. Billie Jo Hardy, MD, M.Sc., Chair for the Ethics Review Board and Assistant Professor , Public Health Ontario & Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto

• Sume Ndumbe-Eyoh, Black Health Education Collaborative and Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto

Facilitator

• Samiya Abdi, MPH, G.D. Social Innovation, Senior Program Specialist, Public Health Ontario

Connect with professionals working across Ontario’s public health sector at this student-focused networking event. The session will include a panel featuring public health practitioners and career specialists, followed by an opportunity to network, ask questions, and explore career pathways. Open to higher education students and trainees interested in or pursuing public health.

Stay tuned for more information on this exciting event!