Woman unlicensed to practice medicine in Vancouver is shut down

A woman unlicensed to practice medicine has been permanently shut down by the BC Supreme Court following an investigation in January.

Anita Fofie of Dermix Institute of Aesthetic Medicine at 1721 Davie Street in Vancouver, first appeared on the radar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC in 2012. Following an investigation on January 28, the College seized boxes and vials of injectable medication, syringes and needles.

The College also seized documents from Fofie’s business, which confirmed her unauthorized use of titles like ‘doctor’ and ‘physician’ and administering Botox and other similar products.

“We hired somebody to actually go in and pose as a patient and we were able to confirm that this individual was calling herself a physician and was providing this service,” says Dr. Heidi Oetter, College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.

“And that’s why we went to initially get an injunction to prevent her from doing that and…. stop her from providing this service.”

According to the College, injecting Botox, which is considered a prescription drug, is a medical service that can only be performed by licensed health professions (doctors, dental surgeons, and registered nurses).

“I’m not trying to fight it,” Fofie told Global News.

“I’m not registered, I understand that. I am fully qualified but I am not licensed to do what I’m doing although I am a medical doctor. And that to say otherwise is equally untrue.”

In the Dermix Institute, Fofie does have a wall filled with framed medical degrees and certificates but she’s not registered with the college, which is a requirement to practice in B.C.

Following the investigation in January, the BC Supreme Court issued an interim injunction stopping Fofie from providing any further medical services.

Although the court files were sealed, the College was allowed to contact patients who were treated at the facility.

On March 19, the Supreme Court made the injunction permanent. Fofie is unauthorized to practice medicine and from using titles reserved for the medical profession.

Fofie told Global News she will be shutting down the clinic at the end of the month.

After speaking with Vancouver Coastal Health, the College said they do not believe there are any public health or infection control concerns in this case.

But the College does recommend any person who is treated by an illegal practitioner to consult with their family doctor to review the work done and the materials used.

READ MORE: B.C. campaign urges patients to ensure their health professional is regulated

For more information on regulated health professionals visit the College’s website.

~ with files from Jill Bennett