Ontario Woman’s Pain After Surgery Sparks Regulatory Outrage

When 59-year-old Mei Lam sought treatment for rectal pain in early 2024, she hoped to alleviate her discomfort. Tragically, her experience with Dr. Ashwin Maharaj would lead to months of crippling pain, ultimately culminating in her death by suicide in August 2024. Lam’s case has raised serious concerns about the oversight of medical practitioners in Ontario and the support provided to patients in distress.

Lam, previously healthy, discovered her elevated blood pressure while using her partner’s monitor. After being prescribed medication that resulted in constipation, she began experiencing intermittent rectal pain, prompting her to consult Maharaj, who was marketed online as a leading expert in minimally invasive procedures. Unbeknownst to Lam, Maharaj was already under investigation by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) for allegedly providing “poor and unacceptable” care.

During her treatment, Lam endured increasingly severe pain, which she documented in a complaint to the CPSO. “I don’t know how long I can live like this,” she expressed to the regulator, highlighting her deteriorating will to continue living. Following her complaints, Maharaj’s medical license was suspended, but many questions remain regarding the CPSO’s handling of her case.

Investigations revealed that Lam was not alone. Several patients of Maharaj reported similar experiences, claiming that his treatments exacerbated their conditions. Despite the CPSO’s findings, Lam underwent additional procedures that she believed would help her, but instead, her suffering intensified. “The pain became worse than before the surgery,” she noted in her complaint.

The CPSO has publicly expressed its condolences regarding Lam’s death and acknowledged the complexity of suicide, stating that physical illness can be a contributing factor. However, concerns have been raised about the regulator’s responsiveness to patients expressing suicidal thoughts. According to a CPSO spokesperson, “These matters are reviewed carefully to ensure appropriate action to support complainants who may be at risk.”

Yet the support promised by the CPSO appears to have fallen short in Lam’s case. Two other patients reported that their expressions of suicidal ideation to CPSO investigators did not lead to adequate follow-up or support. One of these patients, Taissa Pavliuc, described feeling dismissed during her interactions with the regulator.

Lam’s partner, Hoc Phung, has been vocal about the pain and suffering his partner endured. He recounted her struggles after the procedures, detailing how the pain spread and intensified. Despite numerous tests, medical professionals could not identify a clear cause for her debilitating condition. Phung expressed feelings of helplessness as he witnessed Lam’s suffering, stating, “I can’t even imagine what (Lam) was going through, because constant pain really makes you go crazy.”

In the months leading up to her death, Lam sought answers about her condition and expressed her mental distress multiple times to the CPSO. The regulator’s limited response, particularly following Lam’s direct mention of suicidal thoughts, has raised alarm among her family and advocates.

A review of call logs indicates that while the CPSO did reach out to Lam after she expressed suicidal ideation, it was a one-off interaction without subsequent follow-up. In the weeks following, Lam continued to communicate her distress to the CPSO, yet no further outreach occurred until her death.

Phung has since taken on the task of seeking accountability for Lam’s suffering. He created a small shrine in their home, honoring her memory and seeking answers from the CPSO about the treatment she received from Maharaj. “It’s because of my stupid advice,” Phung lamented, reflecting on how his suggestion to check her blood pressure led to a series of events that ultimately ended in tragedy.

As the CPSO faces scrutiny for its handling of Lam’s case, many are left questioning the efficacy of its processes for patient safety and support. The tragic outcome of Lam’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and compassion in healthcare, particularly for those in vulnerable positions.

For anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or distress, resources are available. The national suicide prevention helpline can be reached by calling or texting 988, while additional support can be found at talksuicide.ca.