CPSA sanctions Dr. Yifei Shi after criminal conviction

Edmonton, AB – Family physician Dr. Yifei Shi was sanctioned by a CPSA Hearing Tribunal after admitting to unprofessional conduct.

In November 2022, Dr. Shi pled guilty and was criminally convicted of one count of defrauding the Government of Alberta between Jan. 1, 2016 and Jan. 1, 2017 of a value exceeding $5,000, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. When a physician is facing criminal charges, CPSA’s Complaints Director will initiate a formal complaint, but the complaints process is typically paused until criminal proceedings are complete.

Dr. Shi completed a practice visit with CPSA’s Individual Practice Review program in 2021, which found no concerns with her clinical practice. She also underwent an independent assessment in 2024 which concluded she was safe to practice, with certain conditions.

Dr. Shi acknowledged that her actions constituted unprofessional conduct and the Tribunal accepted a joint submission on sanction, which includes the following:

• Dr. Shi shall receive a reprimand.
• When she returns to practice, Dr. Shi will have conditions placed on her permit requiring that she practise in a multi-physician practice for at least one year and submit to random audits of her billing for five years.
• Dr. Shi must pay a fine of $10,000, along with 100 per cent of the costs of the investigation and hearing.
• If Dr. Shi does not comply with the orders of the Hearing Tribunal, or CPSA receives or opens a complaint regarding issues similar to those brought forward in this matter, Dr. Shi shall be required to serve a suspension of two months.

Dr. Shi served a 10-month prison term and is currently on parole until November 2026. She is not in practice at this time and her practice permit is currently inactive.

Resources:
CPSA Hearing Tribunal decision