'I was very outspoken': Long-serving St. Anthony doctor terminated without cause

A family physician in St. Anthony who admits to having a testy relationship with the health authority's administration has been terminated without cause.

Dr. Alexis Caro-Guzmansaid he was called out of the emergency department at Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital late Tuesday afternoon and told his contract was being terminated.

Caro-Guzmansaid he was not given a specific reason, but admitted he's been very outspoken with his concerns in the past.

"My colleagues know me for that," he told CBC News Wednesday. "I think that has been a detriment of my employment."

Caro-Guzman accused the administration of harassment, and believes there's long been a plan to get rid of him.

"I felt a constructive dismissal case was being put against me, so Labrador-Grenfell Health had grounds to dismiss me at some point. Petty stuff. Stupid stuff. 'You didn't do this. You were not here at the exact moment.' Very petty. They just wanted to make a case to let me go and that has been going on for years," he said.

Caro-Guzman would not provide details of his complaints against the health authority, saying he wanted to consult with a lawyer before doing so. He was alsoconcerned his comprehension of the English language might lead to a misunderstanding.

'Some stories I've heard are scary'

A spokesman for Labrador-Grenfell Health confirmed that Caro-Guzmanwas no longer employed at the hospital, effective May 10.

"Out of respect for the privacy of the employee-employer relationship,Labrador-GrenfellHealth will not be providing any details," a statement read.

Caro-Guzmanis from the South American country of Colombia, and has worked as a family physician in St. Anthony for 11 years.

His dismissal is being greeted with surprise and anger in St. Anthony.

"I'm flabbergasted that somebody can be let go without cause," said Mayor Ernest Simms, adding that recruiting and retaining doctors on the Northern Peninsula is already very challenging.

Simms also had some harsh words for the health authority.

"I've been hearing some questions about Labrador-Grenfelland how they deal with doctors and staff. Some stories I've heard are scary," said Simms.

Caro-Guzman said he had no intentions of ever leaving St. Anthony, and wants area residents to start questioning howa doctor could be let go under such circumstances.

"Why is the public tolerating such behaviour from a CEO," Caro-Guzman asked, referring to Labrador-Grenfell Health CEO Tony Wakeham.