Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare appoints Dr. Scott Whynot as Chief of Staff

(Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Muskoka, ON) – Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Scott Whynot as its new Chief of Staff, effective Oct. 31, 2026.

A respected physician leader, educator, researcher and healthcare advocate, Dr. Whynot brings extensive clinical, administrative, quality and governance experience to the role. Having served communities across Muskoka through MAHC since 2018, he has developed a deep understanding of the region's healthcare needs and the opportunities facing rural healthcare organizations.

Dr. Whynot's clinical experience spans family medicine, hospital medicine, emergency medicine, long-term care, palliative care and surgical services. He also serves as Medical Director at the Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf and leads various research initiatives through the South Muskoka Local Education Group.

“Dr. Whynot has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to clinical excellence, quality improvement and collaborative leadership throughout his career,” said Carla Clarkson-Ladd, Chair of the MAHC Board of Directors. “His broad experience across healthcare settings, combined with his passion for innovation and patient-centred care, makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead our professional staff and support the organization's strategic priorities.”

Dr. Whynot currently serves as Quality Lead Physician at the MAHC South Muskoka Memorial Hospital site in Bracebridge, where he provides medical leadership across several governance and quality tables, including the Medical Advisory Committee, Medical Quality Assurance, Quality of Care, Clinical Ethics, and Quality and Patient Safety.

“I am honoured to serve as Chief of Staff for Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare,” said Dr. Whynot. “Having worked alongside dedicated physicians, staff, volunteers and leaders across MAHC for the past eight years, I have seen firsthand the incredible care provided to our communities. I look forward to working collaboratively with our medical staff, leadership team, Board of Directors and community partners to strengthen quality, advance innovation and ensure exceptional care for patients and families across Muskoka and East Parry Sound.”

As Chief of Staff, Dr. Whynot will provide medical leadership to MAHC's professional staff, support quality and patient safety initiatives, foster physician engagement and work closely with hospital leadership and the Board to advance the organization's mission and strategic goals.

In addition to his clinical and leadership responsibilities, Dr. Whynot is an Assistant Professor with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University and an Adjunct Professor at Laurentian

University. He is actively involved in research, physician education and leadership development, helping to strengthen healthcare capacity across Northern and rural Ontario.

He also serves as an Investigating Coroner for the Province of Ontario and has conducted more than 1,100 investigations involving sudden, unexpected, or non-natural deaths, bringing valuable experience in systems analysis, risk management and evidence-based decision-making.

Currently pursuing a Master of Laws (Health Law) at Osgoode Hall Law School, Dr. Whynot is developing specialized expertise in healthcare governance, legislation, regulatory compliance and emerging issues related to healthcare innovation and artificial intelligence.

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Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) is a multi-site health care organization accredited with exemplary standing that provides acute care services at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital and South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge. Find out more about Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare by visiting www.mahc.ca. Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Jason Ballantyne, Interim Director Communications & Stakeholder Relations
705-706-2760; jason.ballantyne@mahc.ca