Englehart, Ont., doctor sanctioned for 'disgraceful' conduct related to COVID-19

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario said Tuesday it imposed the interim restrictions on Dr. Patrick Phillips after he refused to co-operate with its investigation into allegations that he spread misinformation about the pandemic. (Courtesy: Twitter/@DrP_MD)

Toronto — A family and emergency physician in northeastern Ontario has been barred from issuing exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines, masking requirements and testing as he faces a disciplinary hearing before the province's medical regulator.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario said Tuesday it imposed the interim restrictions on Dr. Patrick Phillips after he refused to co-operate with its investigation into allegations that he spread misinformation about the pandemic.

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 regulator said.

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 college further alleges Phillips is “incompetent in relation to his communications” regarding the pandemic.

Phillips addressed the allegations and restrictions on Twitter.

“Never have I been more proud of myself than the day I decided to take a stand against our country's medical tyranny,” he wrote Tuesday morning.

“Providing patients and the public access to treatments for COVID-19 and vaccine injuries and protecting them from medical coercion is not something I will regret.”

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

The regulator'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.

-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 28, 2021.