The Medical Post is legally prohibited from identifying the name of the doctor. And, since reporting the issues or personalities might lead Canadian readers to attach a name to the doctor found guilty, we are unable to provide the full context of the story. The Medical Post has a policy of not reporting professional misconduct cases unless the case is of pressing national, provincial or professional interest. Mr. Justice Ralph Hinckson ruled Sept. 28 that, pending his decision, there would be a publication ban on facts which could lead to the identification of the physician. His decision was expected on or shortly after Sept. 30 - after the Medical Post has gone to press.
Local media are in a frenzy trying to figure out what is happening and why.
The local CBC radio station and the Yukon News have joined the court action in a bid to force full disclosure of the YMC decision. A YMC ruling hasn't provoked such interest since the late 1980s, when Whitehorse Mayor and local physician Dr. Don Branigan was in the news because of YMC suspensions and criminal charges relating to his practice of medicine. In many instances, the charges were stayed or Dr. Branigan was acquitted. In court, the YMC made it clear concealing the identity of the physician was not its choice. Lawyer Tracy McPhee said the credibility of the YMC and of all self-regulating professions would be compromised if the findings of the council were not made public.