Ontario doctor loses licence after selling 1,475 fake COVID exemption letters

A medical tribunal in Ontario has revoked the licence of Dr Celeste Jean Thirlwell after she wrote thousands of exemption letters for COVID-19 rules. The decision follows findings that her actions were unprofessional and put patients at risk during the pandemic's Delta wave. She charged each patient $300 for the letters, earning over $427,000 in just three months. Between August and October 2021, Thirlwell issued 1,475 exemption letters allowing patients to avoid vaccination, mask-wearing, and testing mandates. An independent review later found only two of these letters met the College of Physicians and Surgeons' guidelines. The tribunal ruled her conduct was based on misinformation, unverified medical claims, and unreliable family histories.

At times, Thirlwell processed as many as 116 exemption requests in a single day. The tribunal described her behaviour as 'dishonourable and unprofessional', noting she lacked training in immunology or public health. Her degree from McMaster University in 2000 did not qualify her to assess vaccine exemptions. The tribunal also concluded that no meaningful changes to her practice could be expected. As a result, she has been ordered to pay $10,370 in costs to the College.

Thirlwell's medical licence is now permanently revoked. The tribunal's ruling prevents her from practising medicine in Ontario. The case highlights the consequences of issuing unfounded exemptions during a public health crisis.