Dr. Daniel O’Connell, a head and neck surgeon, was appointed to a senior administrative role by Alberta Health Services (AHS) six weeks ago. He had been serving as the interim head of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) section in Edmonton for almost two years. His permanent appointment allows him to influence patient care and surgical procedures in a province where private clinics are growing rapidly.
However, before his permanent appointment, AHS was aware of accusations made by five of O’Connell’s colleagues. They alleged that he used his position to benefit a private clinic, the Canadian Cancer Care (CCC) clinic in Edmonton, of which he is a part owner. These allegations, detailed in a whistleblower complaint, are still under investigation by AHS.
The complaint accuses O’Connell of conflict of interest, secretive behaviour, and using his authority to promote private surgery and clinical care, including at the CCC clinic. It is alleged that O’Connell failed to disclose his relationship with the CCC clinic and directed patients from the public system to the private clinic without the complainants’ knowledge.
Further allegations include O’Connell reducing hospital operating room hours for a senior surgeon, appointing a business partner to a senior hospital position without competition, and blocking the hiring of a young surgeon who preferred to work in the public system. This young surgeon, Dr. Daniel O’Brien, claims that O’Connell blocked his hiring and refused to extend his hospital privileges. O’Brien has since moved to Omaha, Nebraska, after waiting months to be hired.
The matter is still under investigation by AHS, and O’Connell has declined interview requests.
