The Medical and Dental Council is ready to fully investigate any complaint made by the public about a practitioner’s practice.

Chairperson of the Council Dr. Ronald Georges says one of the functions of the council, through the Medical and Dental Act 2000, is to look into negligence in the care received from a medical practitioner.

Dr. Georges’ comments come as part of an effort to educate the public about the role and responsibilities of the Medical and Dental Council.

“The council provides the public an opportunity to present any complaint in writing about a practicing physician so it can be investigated and if deemed necessary, disciplinary actions can be carried out,” Dr. Georges said.

The chairperson added, “We are concerned about any issue within the practice of a physician or a dentist that could put a patient or the community at risk. Therefore, it is important that such cases be brought to the attention of the council and be properly investigated. We would need assistance from the public in this effort.”

All complaints should be made in writing and addressed to the Registrar, Medical and Dental Council in care of Ministry of Health and Social Development, Central Administration Building. Appropriately addressed complaints are fully investigated by the council.

Dr. Georges said that in any investigation, the council reserves the right to request additional information for verification. The investigation may take between four to six weeks and will not begin until all documents are submitted.

The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council is also responsible for the integrity of the Medical and Dental Register which includes the full names of all practicing medical or dental practitioners, the registered qualifications, year of qualifications, and year of registration. New registrants, re-licensees, and those removed from the register are published in the Virgin Islands Official Gazette. The full list of registered medical and dental practitioners is published at the beginning of each year. The last list was published in the February 7, 2008 issue of the Gazette which is available at www.bvigazette.org.

In addition, enquiries about the status of a physician’s registration can be made to the Secretary of the Medical and Dental Council Mrs. Josephine Maduro at the Ministry of Health and Social Development at 468 3701 ext 3132. Mrs. Maduro is located in the RG Hodge Building opposite the Office of the Electrical Inspectorate.

The current constitution of the Council is Dr. Ronald Georges (Chairman), Dr. Irad Potter (Registrar), Dr. Hubert O’Neal (Member), and Dr. Mitchell Penn (Member). The Council meets monthly to consider all matters mandated for the council.

The Medical and Dental Council is constituted by the Medical and Dental Act 2000 with the purpose of regulating medical and dental practitioners through a process of registration, licensing, and the investigation of complaints with the principal aim of protecting the public.

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