Restrictions imposed on doctor accused of spreading COVID misinformation

Ontario’s medical regulator says it has imposed a number of restrictions on a family physician accused of spreading misinformation about COVID-19.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario says Dr. Patrick Phillips, who is based in northeastern Ontario, is now barred from providing medical exemptions regarding COVID-19 vaccines, masking requirements and testing.

The regulator says Phillips is also prohibited from prescribing ivermectin — an antiparasitic agent that Health Canada says should not be used for treating COVID-19 — as well as fluvoxamine and atorvastatin in connection with the virus.

The college alleges that between August 2020 and this month, Phillips engaged in disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct in his communications regarding the pandemic, including on social media.

It alleges this includes making misleading, incorrect or inflammatory statements on COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and public health measures.

The regulator says the case has been referred to its disciplinary tribunal but a hearing date has not yet been set.

The college’s public records indicate Phillips’s primary location of practice is the Englehart and District Hospital in Englehart, Ont., about 45 kilometres south of Kirkland Lake.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today