Local doctor suspended from practice following CPSA tribunal investigation

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

A local doctor is facing a six-month suspension from practice following an investigation by the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSA). 

Strathmore’s Dr. Altaf Khumree has been sanctioned for entering into a sexual relationship with a patient, as well as inappropriately prescribing himself unnecessary medications. 

According to a release from the CPSA, a hearing tribunal in May 2020 found Khumree guilty of three counts of unprofessional conduct for entering into a sexual relationship with a patient, failing to disclose the relationship to the CPSA and inappropriately prescribing himself medications. 

The release details that the sanction hearing was adjourned to allow Khumree to undergo an assessment, which would inform the tribunal’s final decision.

A document released by the CPSA detailing an amended notice of hearing listed Khumree’s personal relationship with his patient between June 2011 and Dec. 2014, nine occasions of prescribing himself inappropriately, failure to disclose to the CPSA a charge of criminal offense – specifically impaired driving, and his failure to disclose to the CPSA his relationship with his patient.

In the same document it is mentioned that Khumree submitted a written response to a prior complaint against him in 2016. The response notes Khumree as suggesting to his then-partner to seek independent medical care during their relationship.

It is noted that Khumree had been providing medical care to his patient between June 2011 and April 2015. The pair are documented as having been living together between mid-2012 and late-2014.

Khumree also noted in his written response having developed an alcohol use disorder which was exacerbated by his relationship with his then-partner. Khumree sought treatment for his disorder in 2015.

The exhibit book, presented to the tribunal, contained a patient summary for the prescriptions Khumree wrote for himself, which included codeine, zopiclone and zolpidem. 

According to the release, the tribunal reconvened in June 2021 to consider the assessment report and the submissions from all parties involved. The written decision was issued in March 2022 ordering multiple sanctions. 

Khumree is suspended from practice for six months, with three months to be served and the rest held in abeyance pending compliance with the tribunal’s orders.

Within one year Khumree must complete an education on both interactions of race, culture, medical practice and trauma-informed care, and the impact of personality types on effective interpersonal communications.

He must also pay a fine of $5,000 and has been deemed responsible for 50 per cent of the investigation and hearing costs, which, at the time of publication, a final sum had yet to be determined.