Chief oncologist quits at Prince George cancer centre just months before opening

THE CANADIAN PRESS

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — The lead oncologist has resigned at the BC Cancer Agency Centre for the North, in Prince George, B.C.

Dr. Suresh Kattakar was appointed as medical oncologist at the Centre and was also named the regional professional practice leader for the BC Cancer Agency in January of 2011.

A letter written by Kattakar and obtained by CKPG News says he has been reported to the cancer agency for using an unapproved therapy to treat a patient.

Cancer agency interim president Brian Schmidt confirms a review is underway but he declined to comment on Kattakar’s letter or what type of therapy may have been used.

Schmidt also says the agency is actively recruiting a replacement.

He says Kattakar’s resignation should not affect the launch of agency’s sixth regional centre, which is set to begin delivering cutting edge cancer treatments to northern B.C. residents later this year. (CKPG)

11:24ET 05-07-12