Kevin Smith

Dr Kevin Smith
President & CEO,
University Health Network (UHN), Canada

Dr Kevin Smith, O.Ont., KSG, is the President & CEO of University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s largest academic health sciences centre and consistently recognised as one of the world's top hospitals. With a career spanning leadership roles in academic hospitals, university administration, and health systems, Dr Smith is a pioneer in advancing integrated care models across the continuum of health and social services. 

Dr Smith is a Professor at the Institute for Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME), and the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. His expertise in governance and health care leadership has been shaped by education in Canada, the U.S., and the United Kingdom, as well as advanced certifications from the Institute of Corporate Directors, Harvard’s Program in Effective Governance, and the Wharton School CEO Program for Health Care Leadership. 

Under Dr Smith’s leadership, UHN has expanded its network by adding Westpark Rehab to the UHN family. The organisation has also launched a new clinical and academic site at 522 University Avenue, with a focus on cancer, education, and artificial intelligence. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Smith led critical national and provincial initiatives, including the world's largest vaccine clinic at Scotiabank Arena, targeted supports for marginalised communities, the establishment of COVID hotels for the unhoused, and the procurement of essential medical products for the province and nation. 

UHN's research funding has grown to exceed $600 million annually, and the organisation has been named among the top three hospitals in the world over successive years by Newsweek. Additionally, UHN spearheaded the $1.3 billion redevelopment of Toronto Western Hospital, which includes a new surgical and clinical tower. 

In collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, UHN established a research data network and a "data behind glass" strategy to support investigations across the world's leading hospitals. A strong commercialisation strategy has also been developed, positioning UHN among the top 20 in North America. Furthering its commitment to integrated care, UHN formed a strategic alliance with CAMH to enhance mental health services while ensuring broader access to medical care and prevention. 

Dr Smith has previously served as Chair of the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario, The Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the Ontario Hospital Association, in addition to advising governments and the private sector on health policy and innovation. His contributions to health care have been recognised with numerous honors, including being appointed to the Order of Ontario, named a Knight of St. Gregory by His Holiness The Pope, and receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Silver and Golden Jubilee Medals and King Charles III Coronation Medal. In 2024, Newsweek Magazine named him one of the world’s top hospital CEOs. 

A dedicated advocate for education, research, and patient care, Dr Smith continues to drive innovation and excellence in health care both nationally and globally.

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