The Chief of Staff at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, Dr. Khaled Abdel-Razek, has announced his retirement effective August 31, 2026. His departure marks the end of a seven-year leadership term for the health organization, which operates the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge and the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Abdel-Razek first took on the role of Chief of Staff on June 3, 2019. During his time leading medical staff, he modernized the Hospitalist Program, helped form a Quality of Care Committee, and created two new roles focused on quality lead initiatives. These changes were aimed at improving patient care coverage and reducing the time patients spend in the hospital.
Following the announcement, Board Chair Dave Uffelmann stated that the board will begin looking for a replacement in the coming weeks. A selection committee will guide the recruitment process, which will include input from medical staff members.
This leadership change occurs while the health organization continues to manage a $1 billion hospital redevelopment project intended to build new facilities in both Bracebridge and Huntsville. The hospital system has also been navigating significant operational changes, including the temporary relocation of obstetrical services from Bracebridge to Huntsville that began in March 2025 due to staffing challenges.
These ongoing developments have drawn attention from local groups, including the Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee, which has been vocal about hospital planning and the need for more acute care beds in the region. Meanwhile, the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation continues its work, having invested over $55 million into equipment and facilities at the local hospital since 1980.
