Doctor Admits Code Breach in Prescription Vaping Clinic Fundraising
Controversy Over Fundraising for Teen Vaping Clinic
A Victorian doctor, Dr. Carolyn Beaumont, has admitted to breaching the medical board’s code of conduct. She solicited funds from patients to start a prescription vaping clinic for teenagers and write a book.
The Fundraising Appeal
On 14 October, Dr. Beaumont emailed her patients who had previously purchased nicotine vaping prescriptions. The email invited them to donate to her GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $150,000. Funds would support the development of a teenage vaping solutions clinic, a book project, and her advocacy in tobacco harm reduction.
Code of Conduct Breach
Dr. Beaumont acknowledged that emailing patients for donations violated the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) code of conduct. The code explicitly prohibits encouraging patients to give or lend money to benefit the practitioner.
Addressing the Breach
Dr. Beaumont admitted her actions were a mistake and promised to address the issue. She plans to send a follow-up email explaining the breach to her patients.
Goals of the Clinic
The proposed clinic, named Ascend Medical, focuses on helping teenagers manage their vape use. The clinic’s website states it aims to offer professional care without judgment. It promotes alternatives to black-market vapes and encourages quitting in a supportive environment.
Regulations Around Vaping
In Australia, adults can now purchase vapes over the counter without prescriptions in most states. However, those under 18 still require a prescription. Dr. Beaumont’s clinic plans to transition teenagers from unregulated vapes to safer, pharmacy-prescribed options.
Criticism and Transparency
Critics have raised concerns over Dr. Beaumont’s financial ties to the tobacco industry. Her travel to conferences has been partially funded by companies like British American Tobacco and Juul Labs. Dr. Beaumont claims these arrangements are unconditional and do not influence her clinical decisions.
Public and Professional Reaction
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners emphasized the importance of GPs acting solely in their patients’ interests. Commercial interests should never influence clinical care.
Fundraising Progress
As of 25 November, the GoFundMe campaign has raised $4,178. The page has undergone revisions, removing statements about Dr. Beaumont’s financial difficulties and her commitment to reducing smoking-related deaths.
Future Implications
Dr. Beaumont’s situation highlights challenges in balancing public health advocacy with ethical practice. Her clinic’s approach to vaping may spark further debate about youth vaping and harm reduction strategies.
A Call for Ethical Medical Practices
While Dr. Beaumont’s intentions may focus on public health, her actions underline the importance of adhering to professional standards. Transparency and ethical practices remain essential in healthcare advocacy.
Should you be encountering any of the problems discussed in this article, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will try to assist you in any way we can.