If you missed it in the news, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) investigated Dr. James MacLean for two separate complaints. The first was that he assessed a patient for MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) in front of a Tim Hortons, then personally drove the patient to the facility to have MAID administered.

The man’s underlying conditions were inflammatory bowel disease and a history of mental illness. The patient asked MacLean to drive him because he was afraid his family would talk him out of his decision.

The second complaint involved Dr. MacLean failing to administer one of the three drugs needed to kill a patient. After Dr. MacLean pronounced the patient dead and left the home, they began breathing again. Oops.

The CPSO ruled Dr. MacLean did not meet the standard of practice of the profession, displayed a lack of judgment, and that his conduct exposes or is likely to expose patients to harm or injury in 25% of the cases reviewed.

The professional board obviously has taken it seriously because MacLean was verbally “cautioned” regarding the MAID complaints and placed under supervision for six months.

I guess MacLean and the CPSO missed the part of the Hippocratic oath that says, “First, do no harm.”

Have a great week and remember: To see what is really possible, you will have to attempt the impossible.