Calgary doctor suspended for 'improper prescribing'
A Calgary family physician has been suspended from practicing for six months after the province’s physician regulatory body found him guilty of improper prescribing.
The disciplinary action follows complaints into Dr. Oswald Wachtler’s actions dating back to 2008.
The College recently ruled Wachtler must pay back the $82,000 it cost to hold the investigation into his conduct. He must also retake a prescribing course.
According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Wachtler is a doctor at a walk-in clinic in Calgary.
Wachtler initially appealed the College's decision. The Court of Appeal recently upheld the sanctions.
As part of his penalty, Wachtler must undergo regular audits of his prescribing practices.
This latest investigation is Wachtler's second disciplinary matter with the College.
The first matter also related to inappropriate prescribing practices dating back to 2000. In two cases, patients died of drug overdoses.
Wachtler has been practicing medicine in Alberta since 1971.
His six month suspension begins June 1.
