Significant changes are underway in Canada’s pioneering interprovincial physician licensing programme after serious allegations emerged against a doctor who had previously lost his licence in Quebec but continued to practise in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Sanjeev Sirpal is facing multiple charges of sexual assault involving patients, prompting regulatory bodies to reassess the Atlantic Registry, which allows doctors to operate across these provinces under a single licence. However, the specifics of the reforms remain undisclosed due to ongoing investigations.
Background on the Atlantic Registry
The Atlantic Registry was established as the first interprovincial licensing agreement in Canada, aimed at easing the movement of physicians across the region. This initiative stemmed from a collaborative effort by the Council of Atlantic Premiers to enhance physician mobility, particularly in rural areas where healthcare services are often stretched thin. Launched in 2023, the programme has seen a notable increase in enrolment, with 526 physicians registered last year, an increase of 136 from the previous year.
Dr. Sanjeev Sirpal, a 39-year-old physician from Terrebonne, Quebec, was allowed to practise in Nova Scotia under the New Brunswick medical licence after being admitted to the Atlantic Registry. However, he now stands accused of sexually assaulting five patients across hospitals in both provinces between 2024 and 2025. Following these allegations, Dr. Sirpal has been removed from the registry, and his licence is suspended.
Regulatory Response and Ongoing Investigations
Gus Grant, CEO and registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, has refrained from providing specific details about the modifications to the Atlantic Registry, citing the sensitive nature of ongoing criminal cases and investigations. “I’m very confident that the disturbing incident with Dr. Sirpal won’t be repeated,” he stated during a recent media briefing focused on improving healthcare access for Nova Scotians.
Laurie Potter, the registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick, echoed similar sentiments, noting that discussions about potential improvements to the Atlantic Registry are ongoing. However, she did not disclose whether any concrete changes have been implemented in light of the allegations against Dr. Sirpal.
The Allegations Against Dr. Sirpal
Dr. Sirpal’s legal troubles began after the Quebec College of Physicians revoked his licence in 2022 for failing to disclose a prior dismissal from medical school due to unethical behaviour. Despite this revocation, the New Brunswick college approved his licence application, asserting that the issues raised in Quebec did not apply to his case. The circumstances surrounding this decision remain unclear, especially since the Atlantic Registry requires physicians to hold a valid licence without any sanctions.
Dr. Sirpal is currently facing multiple charges, including one count of sexual assault linked to an incident at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Amherst, Nova Scotia. A trial is scheduled for next year in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. His lawyer, Stan MacDonald, has yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the case.
Future of Physician Mobility
The Canadian Medical Association has endorsed the Atlantic Registry as a potential model for broader national licensure, emphasising its role in streamlining the process for physicians serving in underserved areas. However, it is crucial that any future programme is underpinned by a robust database of physicians’ employment and disciplinary records, which the Medical Council of Canada is currently developing.
Dr. Grant cautioned against overestimating the immediate impact of the registry, noting that while the initial reviews indicated a positive effect, the overall influence was relatively modest.
Why it Matters
The ongoing evolution of the Atlantic Registry highlights the delicate balance between facilitating physician mobility and ensuring patient safety. With serious allegations against Dr. Sirpal casting a shadow over the programme, it is imperative for regulatory bodies to act decisively to restore public confidence in the system. As discussions about improvements continue, the integrity of interprovincial licensure will be scrutinised, making it crucial for regulators to establish safeguards that protect patients while allowing qualified medical professionals to serve communities in need.
