With dismay, I read the 2005 Annual Report of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC regarding the Preliminary Review Committee.

They have seen fit to publish the name of an MD who was alleged to have had sexual misconduct with a female patient, and they further noted that this MD had died in 2004 (page 30).

I fail to see what benefit there is in publishing his name, other than to cause extreme discomfort to his surviving spouse and children.

Is it the intention of the College to pursue allegations beyond the grave?

—John Hogan, MD
Abbotsford

The College responds

The issuance of disciplinary charges by the College against a member is a matter of public record. The College is required to publish an annual report which accurately and completely reflects the activities of the College, including all disciplinary activities. The College, as a self-regulating body, must be and be seen to be accountable to the public. This requires that the College’s process be transparent, even in circumstances where those processes cannot be concluded.

—M. VanAndel, MD
Registrar, CPSBC