Melissa Helferty
About Melissa Helferty
Melissa Helferty serves as the Manager of Infectious Disease Policy & Programs at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, where she has worked since 2016. She has a background in public health and epidemiology, with experience in various roles including field epidemiologist and international consultant.
Current Role in Infectious Disease Management
Melissa Helferty currently serves as the Manager of Infectious Disease Policy & Programs at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. She has held this position since 2016, where she focuses on managing policies and programs related to infectious diseases. Her role involves overseeing initiatives that aim to enhance public health responses and improve health outcomes related to infectious diseases.
Professional Experience in Public Health
Melissa Helferty has extensive experience in public health. She worked as a Public Health Advisor - Epidemiology at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care from 2012 to 2016. Prior to that, she served as an Epidemiologist and Field Epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency of Canada. Her career also includes roles as a Project Officer at the Canadian Public Health Association and as an International Consultant at the Pan American Health Organization.
Educational Background in Public Health
Melissa Helferty holds a Master of International Public Health (MIPH) from the University of Sydney, which she completed from 2006 to 2007. She also earned an Honours Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biology and Psychology from Trent University, studying there from 1999 to 2003. Additionally, she graduated from the Canadian Field Epidemiology Program, a program recognized for its rigorous training in public health and epidemiology.
International Experience in Health Initiatives
Melissa Helferty has gained international work experience, which has contributed to her expertise in global health initiatives. Notably, she worked as a Group Leader for Youth Challenge International in Guyana for three months in 2007. This experience has enhanced her skills in managing health programs on a global scale.
Skills in Epidemiology and Disease Management
Melissa Helferty possesses strong skills in incident command and respiratory disease management. Her expertise in these areas has been developed through her various roles in public health and her educational background. She has been actively involved in managing infectious disease policies and programs, demonstrating her capability in addressing public health challenges.