By Sheena Roszell

Disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated: College of Physicians and Surgeons

Jul 26, 2018 | 5:30 AM

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta says a recent suspension and fine against a Grande Prairie doctor shows they take disruptive behaviour seriously and will not tolerate it.

“In this case, a physician was found to have been engaging in disruptive behaviour of various kinds over a long period and he was assessed very heavy penalties,” said Steve Buick, who is a spokesperson for The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. 

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ghamdi’s license and practice were suspended for three years.  The suspensions could be reduced to two years if he completes an approved comprehensive assessment program.

He was also ordered to pay costs of the investigation and hearing of $700,000.

“The process, I think makes clear that we take disruptive behaviour seriously and we will not tolerate it and that we work in close partnership with Alberta Health Services to try to make sure that physicians are contributing to the care team and advancing the goals of the health system that we all share,” Buick explained.

The Full Hearing Report called it a sad and difficult case where Dr. Al-Ghamdi was charged with engaging in disruptive conduct over 10 years and said his working relationship with his colleagues deteriorated to the point where they refused to work with him. The Report said Dr. Al-Ghamdi “cultivated a culture of fear and distrust” in a number of situations with his colleagues. The doctor claims he was the victim of workplace mobbing.  He also ascribed much of his problem in Grande Prairie to racism both in the community and at the QEII.

Dr. Al-Ghamdi is appealing the finding of the disciplinary tribunal.  In the interim, he is allowed to continue to practice.