Edmonton doctor sanctioned for public COVID-19 comments

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta has sanctioned an Edmonton pathologist.

An Edmonton doctor who made several public statements about public health measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been sanctioned by a College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) hearing tribunal.

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Dr. Roger Hodkinson made the statements in 2020 and 2021, including at an Edmonton city council meeting, in a media interview and on social media.

According to the hearing document, his statements included dismissing the effectiveness of masks and questioning the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“The comments offered by Dr. Hodkinson fell outside the scope of practice of a pathologist, and were inconsistent with accepted public health medicine guidelines,” the CPSA said in a news release on Thursday.

“This is contrary to expectations outlined in the Canadian Medical Association’s Code of Ethics and Professionalism, which states that physicians must clearly indicate when they are offering an opinion that is contrary to the accepted view of the profession, and be cautious not to overstep the limits of their knowledge and skills.”

The CPSA says Hodkinson admitted to the allegations against him at a hearing in November and acknowledged that his conduct breached the code of ethics and professionalism.

The tribunal accepted a joint submission on sanctioning and ordered the following:

• Dr. Hodkinson will receive a caution.
• At his own cost, Dr. Hodkinson must complete an online course from the Canadian Medical Association on influence and advocacy.
• Dr. Hodkinson is responsible for a portion of the costs of the investigation and hearing, totalling $5,000.