Alberta doctor reprimanded for manipulating and exploiting his patient: CPSA

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta logo. (CPSA)

A Langdon, Alta., doctor has received a reprimand from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) after he violated ethics rules with his inappropriate relationship with a patient.

The CPSA said between 2022 and 2024, Dr. Alexander Lukubisa borrowed $40,000 from a patient to repay a debt and, later, provided $35,000 to the patient for the purpose of purchasing a property to be used as an Airbnb rental.

On May 20, 2023, the CPSA said Lukubisa issued a prescription for domperidone and metoclopramide – both used to treat stomach illnesses – in the patient’s name and failed to record the medications on their health charts.

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According to the CPSA’s tribunal decision, the patient said Lukubisa exploited their relationship and pressured them to make investments for the doctor’s benefit, which included the partnership for the short-term rental.

The doctor admitted to all of the counts against him, the CPSA said.

“Lukubisa notes that social interactions with patients are inevitable in a small town, and states he developed a friendship with (the patient) over common interests. A business relationship also developed,” the tribunal decision said.

“Lukubisa admits that provided him with a loan for $40,000, and that he provided with $35,000 for the purchase of a property, to be used as an Airbnb, which he states was unsuccessful.”

The prescriptions were for Lukubisa’s own gastrointestinal illness that he could not see another physician for and could not write the prescription himself.

“Lukubisa states he understands this is not good practice and regrets his decision. Despite the desperation he says he felt at the time, he states he should have found some other solution.”

The CPSA said his conduct could only be described as “unprofessional.”

“It failed to respect the important therapeutic boundary between physicians and patients,” the tribunal said.

“Lukubisa acted out of self-interest rather than the interests of his patient, resulting in his patient reporting feeling manipulated and exploited.”

As a result, Lukubisa was given a reprimand, told to undertake and complete a course on ethics and ordered to pay two-thirds of the cost of the CPSA investigation and hearing, up to a maximum of $12,000.