Amir Khadir, a former Québec solidaire co-spokesperson and infectious disease specialist, faced a disciplinary board at the College of Physicians. His lawyer, Sibel Ataogul, worked hard to present mitigating factors in hopes of securing a lighter sanction than the proposed one-year suspension.
Khadir confessed to 12 counts of not following through on his commitment to stop prescribing antibiotics beyond 28 days for Lyme disease treatment. Despite being ordered by the College to stop this practice, Khadir shared his efforts to conduct proper research to support his treatment methods.
During the hearing, Khadir recounted a patient’s positive response to his treatment, leading them to forgo medical assistance in dying after enduring prolonged suffering. He explained his post-political endeavors to establish a research protocol, although funding for his initiatives was lacking.
Acknowledging his error in continuing antibiotic treatment without proper research protocols, Khadir expressed regret for his actions. The College’s deputy trustee, Dr. Steven Lapointe, expressed concerns about Khadir’s motivations during the hearing.
While no patients filed complaints against Khadir, a professional inspection revealed his ongoing practices outside established research standards. Khadir faces potential sanctions ranging from a reprimand to a one-year ban from practicing, with Dr. Lapointe advocating for a year-long suspension to send a strong message to the medical profession.
