Manitoba doctor censured for 'inappropriate and unprofessional' response to patient's online review

A Winnipeg doctor has been censured as a result of an ‘inappropriate and unprofessional response’ to an online review by a former patient.

A Winnipeg doctor has been censured as a result of an ‘inappropriate and unprofessional response’ to an online review by a former patient.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba issued the findings of its investigation into the matter involving Dr. Abdel-Kareem Chehadi, a family medicine doctor, earlier this month.

According to the decision, Dr. Chehadi began treating a patient, referred to in the decision as Patient A, in November 2019. The patient had a history of substance abuse disorder, including alcohol and benzodiazepine abuse, as well as anxiety.

Dr. Chehadi’s care plan included consultation with an addiction specialist, tapering off medications and cognitive behavioural therapy.

According to the college, the patient required periodic completion of Manitoba Public Insurance forms because their driver’s license was cancelled due to issues related to substance abuse.

A conflict arose in July 2020 surrounding the completion of the forms, as well as a long-term disability form which led to ‘a deterioration of the physician-patient relationship,’ the college’s decision read.

After a July 17, 2020 appointment, Patient A anonymously posted a comment on RateMDs, a website that allows users to submit reviews of health-care workers.