It was announced on Thursday that Niagara physician Dr. Allan Jackiewicz, who was once chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Niagara Falls General Hospital, has willingly revoked his medical licence. This action has taken place following an investigation of misconduct from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario's disciplinary committee, with the agreement of Jackiewicz not reapplying for his medical licence again.
The disciplinary committee has stated, following the testimony of three independent experts who reviewed Jackiewicz's practice over the last decade, that Jackiewicz was "incompetent and failed to maintain the necessary standard of practice for his profession." The experts also noted he was “not amenable to rehabilitation as he was unwilling to take any suggestions." The disciplinary committee notes that it was in the interest of public safety that they have chosen to remove him from practice.
Jackiewicz has decided to waive his right to appeal this choice and has signed a contract in regards to the undertaking of these events.
This Is Not His First Accusation of Misconduct
Jackiewicz has a history of meeting with the college in regards to professional concerns, including a previous verdict of professional misconduct in 2010, which found fault in his charting of multiple patients. It was also found that he engaged in "disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional behaviour regarding comments to four patients".
In 2011, Jackiewicz received four more verbal cautions regarding complaints from four patients who were in his care. There were several other reports and concerns brought forward to the college from 2013-2016 regarding his ability to perform even the most basic procedures and properly refer patients to doctors when appropriate. These concerns were often brought forward by a combination of Jackiewicz's patients, colleagues and mentees.
You Have the Right to Know Your Physician's Professional History
At Gluckstein Lawyers, we are proud to work closely with healthcare and medical professionals in several hospitals in Ontario to support workshops regarding compassion fatigue, caretaking and training. Physicians and healthcare providers are incredibly hard-working and committed professionals, and we are so grateful for their sacrifice and dedication towards improving the lives of their patients every single day.
While cases of misconduct are rare, you as a patient have the right to know the standing of the physician you are working with. You can visit the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario to search up your doctor and see whether or not previous disciplinary action has been taken against them. We encourage active participation from both the patient and physician when it comes to a patient's medical care.
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