Description: An Alberta physician, Dr. Yifei Shi, has been convicted in what has been called the largest doctor billing fraud in the province’s history. In addition to a four-year prison term, Dr. Shi will have to repay $827,077 to the province. Dr. Shi will also face scrutiny from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, and the professional organization can permanently revoke her license to practice medicine.

Date: November 18, 2022

Source:  cbc.ca

 Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/family-physician-sentenced-largest-fraud-alberta-1.6655518

Discussion points:

1) As a tax-paying citizen, what is your reaction to this story?

2) Given that Canada appears to be suffering from a shortage of qualified medical professionals, do you think that the College should consider this in crafting its decisions for cases such as Dr. Shi’s?

3) In chapter 7 of Wiley’s Financial Accounting: Tools for Business Decision-Making we learn about the fraud triangle. What do you think may have been in play for each side of the fraud triangle in this situation?