Sir
I am very disappointed in your Kevin Libin’s column of Nov 11 2009 (“Exposing John O’Connor is all part of the Oilsands Conspiracy”), and your editorial.
What I found in Fort Chipewyan is cause for concern, sufficient that the Alberta Cancer Board undertook a year-long cancer study of the community. They confirmed what many, including myself, had suspected. There is a 30% higher rate of cancer in Fort Chipewyan. This after a government 2006 study of the deceased files resulted in the community being told there was no problem with cancer in Fort Chipewyan!
We–Alberta Health, the Alberta Cancer Board, the Nunee Health Board Society in Fort Chipewyan, the Medical Officer of Health from Fort McMurray, Dr Liam Griffin(my successor in Fort Chipewyan), myself, AND Health Canada– have already embarked on the “Next Steps”. This is what the Cancer Board recommended, to investigate why this higher cancer rate exists. The task is enormous, and will take time and a lot of effort, and collaboration. We also of course will be looking at the other health problems in the community.
If I had not spoken out as I did, there may not have been any study. There had previously been recommendations for a baseline health study, but this was never done. The residents of Fort Chipewyan, especially the Elders, state that they themselves had tried for years to have their concerns heard, to no avail. They had been ignored for years, they feel. Now they are being heeded. Now they have a voice, they state.
I have never obstructed nor tried to mislead anyone. I have no jurisdiction over any patient files in Fort Chipewyan. That responsibility rests with the Nurse-in-Charge. If Mr Libin had contacted her, he would have found out for himself.
As family physicians, it is my understanding we are currently obligated to report cancers to the Cancer Board we ourselves diagnose. This has been affirmed by colleagues, the Alberta Medical Association, and by the Cancer Board. The vast majority of reporting happens at the Specialist/ Pathologist level. Family physicians uncommonly diagnose cancer. There is, I believe, some legislative change proposed that would change this reportage.
All I am doing is my job, as a physician. By definition, I am also an advocate for my patients. I am not a radical, nor a member of Greenpeace. I have no agenda, and am not on a crusade to shut down the Tarsands. My sole concern is for the health of my patients. I will continue to try to do the best job I can.
I welcome the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta decision to close my file and take no action. I don’t necessarily agree with all of the preliminary investigation report, and feel shocked and upset someone decided to release it to the media. I was told that this report was confidential. There is absolutely no finding that I have been guilty of unprofessional or unbecoming conduct.
I did not intend to get into a public debate over this report. My duty is to my patients and the communities in which they live, and I continue to move forward in their service.
Dr John O’Connor