Pointe-Claire naturopath banned from practising medicine
A Pointe-Claire naturopath has been temporarily barred from performing any medical procedures after the Quebec College of Physicians accused him of practising medicine illegally.
The injunction against Ken Montizambert, a certified osteopath and naturopath, bans him from performing any acts normally reserved for members of the Quebec College of Physicians, including diagnosing medical conditions, prescribing medicine and ordering blood tests.
The ban will remain in place until a court case against Montizambert is completed.
He will be permitted to continue his naturopathy and osteopathy practice in the meantime.
College claims naturopath ordered blood tests
The ban is the latest development in the college's case against Montizambert, which stems from an undercover investigation by the College of Physicians.
The college alleges that when an undercover investigator visited Montizambert's office in February, he ordered blood tests, prescribed medication, and claimed to be the only specialist in Montreal to offer a prostate exam that doesn’t require the patient to remove their pants.
Jean-Louis Granger, an investigator with the College of Physicians, said the injunction is meant to protect future patients until their case is heard in court.
“I don't think they will be safe because he does not have the knowledge to treat people. He doesn't have the knowledge or the authorization from the Quebec government,” Granger said.
The College has brought 12 charges against the West Island specialist that include practising medicine illegally and misrepresenting his credentials.
Montizambert denies allegations
CBC News spoke with Montizambert off-camera last week.
He denied the allegations and claimed that the College of Physicians’ investigation stems from an erroneous listing on a U.S. website that called him a medical practitioner.
Osteopaths in the United States are considered medical practitioners, but not in Canada.
Montizambert said the charges have damaged his reputation and he plans to fight them vigorously.
This is not the first time he has faced charges. In 2002 the College found him guilty of practising medicine illegally.
