Congratulations to our Laboratory Director, Karam Ramotar (left in photo above) on his recent appointment to Deputy Chief, Microbiology and Laboratory Science at Public Health Ontario. 

Dr. Karam Ramotar is responsible for working with PHO’s clinical and medical microbiologists, as well as laboratory operation leadership to ensure that PHO’s public health laboratories continue to serve their stakeholders at the highest quality standards.

Karam has extensive expertise in molecular and clinical diagnostic microbiology, both in terms of technical and operational knowledge. He developed and established the molecular microbiology testing service at the Eastern Ontario Regional Association’s (EORLA) Microbiology Reference laboratory, and guided the expansion of service by that institution over the last 20 years. In another previous role, Karam implemented diagnostic testing for TB and STIs through a Canadian-funded public health program in Guyana between 2004 and 2008. Additionally, he acted as a peer assessor for Ontario’s Laboratory Quality Program for 15 years, performing laboratory assessments in Ontario and other Canadian provinces.

Karam holds a PhD in Medical Microbiology from the University of Manitoba, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology from the University of Alberta.