The late Dr. Sheela Basrur, who led Toronto's public health department through the severe acute respiratory syndrome crisis and went on to oversee public health for the Province of Ontario, will be remembered Oct. 17 at the University of Toronto's Convocation Hall.

Basrur died June 2 after a two-year battle with cancer. She was Toronto's first medical officer of health, appointed to the job in 1998 after serving as medical officer of health in the former borough of East York.

And in 2004, she was appointed as Ontario's chief medical officer of health.

Friends, family and the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion are behind both the Oct. 17 event and a Nov. 27 fundraising reception at the Carlu.

The Convocation Hall event takes place from 4 to 5:30 p.m., and is open to the public. Speakers will include Mayor David Miller and Premier Dalton McGuinty.