A DOCTOR who approved the euthanasia of a patient following a quick cafe assessment has been suspended.
Dr. James MacLean was investigated for assisting 45-year-old Thomas Dillon to die, after being accused of improperly administering Canada’s controversial Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
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Thomas Dillon, 45, was suffering from Crohn’s disease and depression when he was euthanized by doctor MacLean Credit: Sifton Funeral Home
The doctor faced the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario following an investigation into his conduct Credit: Getty
Based in London, Ontario, Dr. Maclean met Dillon outside a Tim Hortons location in June 2023 and found him eligible for euthanasia under “track 2″.
The framework is designed for patients who have an incurable condition but are not expected to die immediately.
Dillon, who suffered from Crohn’s disease and depression, exchanged dozens of texts with Maclean, discussing his plans to be medically euthanised, the National Post reported.
According to the messages, Dr MacLean even personally drove his patient to a morgue facility to carry out the procedure, which took place in January 2024.
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The text exchange was revealed in a hearing for MacLean in front of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
An investigation was launched into MacLean following two public complaints made against him.
The hearing heard evidence from a 2024 coroner’s panel report, which highlighted the case of “Mr. A,” a male in his 40s with inflammatory bowel disease.
Referring to Dillon’s condition, the report found that because of his illness, he didn’t have an active social network and had difficulty maintaining a job.
MacLean undertook a meeting with Dillon outside a Tim Hortons location Credit: Rex Features
The college ordered MacLean to be under supervision for six months, alongside other strict requirements in order for him to keep his licence Credit: Getty
He also found personal relationships challenging and was dependent on family for housing and financial support.
Dillon also had a history of mental illness, including previous bouts of suicidal thinking and on-going alcohol and opioid misuse that cost him his driver’s licence.
During a psychiatric assessment, Dillon was asked if he was aware of MAID and given information on the option.
There was no documented input from the family who were known to have had concerns about the MAID request.
MacLean told the board he had chosen to drive Dillon himself “to ensure that patient’s final moments were dignified.”
Dillon didn’t want to die at home, where he lived with his mother, because he knew his family didn’t approve and he agreed to the chosen site after other options were considered, the decision said.
In a separate case, authorities said MacLean had failed to administer one of the three drugs used in assisted deaths in Canada on an unidentified patient.
As a result, the person started breathing again after they were pronounced dead.
MacLean had already left the patient’s home when the shocking moment occurred.
The doctor returned and saw signs of cardiac and respiratory activity, so decided to administer more medication along with the paralyzing agent, “and again pronounced the patient’s death,” according to the report.
Authorities said he didn’t administer the drug that paralyzes the body’s muscles – including those involved in breathing.
The family later complained about MacLean’s professionalism and communication.
The new investigation has sparked fresh concerns about MAID’s accountability and oversight.
Dr. Ramona Coelho, a family physician and former member of Ontario’s MAID death review committee spoke to the Globe, saying: “What is striking is not only the seriousness of the concerns identified in these cases, but the limited regulatory response”.
An independent assessor appointed to review a number of MacLean’s charts concluded that he “did not meet the standard of practice of the profession, displayed a lack of judgement and that his conduct exposes or is likely to expose patients to harm or injury in five out of twenty charts reviewed.”
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
MacLean was verbally “cautioned” by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, which ruled not to revoke his licence entirely.
But the college did impose strict, legally binding restrictions on his medical practice, according to the London Free Press.
He was placed under mandatory clinical supervision for a minimum of six months.
During that time period, an assigned supervisor will have oversight over MacLean’s medical practices.
The decision, which was issued in March, also outlined strict mandatory reviews of Maclean’s patient files.
He was also ordered to undergo targeted professional education, focused on the legal frameworks of MAID and the rules of informed consent and maintaining professional boundaries.
After six months, he’ll undergo an assessment of his practice, the results of which “may form the basis of further action by the College,” Laura Zilke, a CPSO spokesperson told the National Post.
“The undertaking imposes extensive oversight and monitoring requirements on Dr. MacLean’s practice.
“The college takes any complaints brought to our attention extremely seriously as part of our mandate to serve the public interest and ensure safe, ethical and competent medical care for all Ontarians,” she added.
