Dr. Amir Khadir pleaded guilty to 12 counts of offenses before the College of Physicians of Quebec in connection with controversial treatments for Lyme disease on Tuesday morning.
Microbiologist-infectious disease specialist at Pierre-Le Gardeur hospital, in Terrebonne, the Dr Khadir admitted to having offered long-term treatments, more than four months, to “hundreds of patients” who believed they had chronic Lyme disease.
Some patients even took antibiotics over a period of two years, we read in the disciplinary complaint which brings together 12 cases of patients treated between 2020 and 2023.
For several years now, this specialist has publicly claimed to be treating people with “chronic” Lyme disease with long-term antibiotics.
However, there is no scientific consensus which proves that this condition exists, explained the trustee of the College of Physicians of Quebec (CMQ) this morning.
Un engagement clair
In 2020, the Dr Khadir had made a commitment to the CMQ not to offer antibiotic treatment for more than 28 days for Lyme disease, except as part of a research project approved by an internal committee of the hospital.
«Il[D[Dr Khadir]admitted four times rather than once that he had not respected his commitment, testified the Dr Steven Lapointe, trustee of the CMQ. He spent much more time justifying himself than showing regret, and even less remorse for not having respected his commitment.
Chantal Poirier / JdeM
The Dr Khadir had patients sign consent, but it was not conventional in the context of a research project, continued the trustee. Since 2024, the files of the Dr Khadir were peer-reviewed to ensure protocol was followed.
“There are no complaints from my patients regarding my approach or any complications,” pleaded the Dr Khadir in an interview with TVA last May.
Indeed, the disciplinary complaint emanates from a professional inspection by the CMQ, in 2023.
Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease is treated with an antibiotic taken quickly after an infection. However, some patients report having symptoms several months after the illness (fatigue, muscle disorders, headaches).
More details to come…
