Abstract
The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) emerged as a powerful mutual defence organization that represented the majority of Canada’s doctors by the mid-twentieth century. The CMPA pooled resources from physicians and voraciously fought against patient allegations of medical malpractice. A leading figure in the CMPA for 35 years was Dr. T.L. Fisher of Ottawa. He joined the CMPA’s executive as Secretary-Treasurer in 1935 and held this important leadership position until 1971. As the work of the CMPA expanded in the postwar period, Fisher’s role in the executive became significant. He frequently spoke to professional organizations – including associations of doctors, nurses, and dentists – on the issue of malpractice and published dozens of articles in medical journals. This paper explores the significance of Fisher’s publications and his efforts to collaborative with the Canadian Bar Association, evaluating his work in its historical, medical, and legal context to consider how it shaped both medical practice and the law of malpractice in Canada. Preliminary research suggests that Fisher used his speeches and publications to advise and cajole doctors to avoid some procedures perceived as dangerous. In doing so, Fisher’s work constituted an early example of medical harm reduction strategies employed by hospitals and health care professionals later in the twentieth century. This paper employs a range of primary sources that include Fisher’s articles and speeches, court cases, legal literature, and archival sources produced by the CMPA such as its annual reports.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Law, Medicine, Medical Malpractice, History, Negligence, Canada, Accidents
