
Making a complaint
This section explains how to make a complaint about a physician or medical learner, alert the CMQ of the illegal practice of medicine.
There are 2 kinds of complaints: about a physician (or medical learner) or a person practising medicine illegally.
The inquiry process at the CMQ: explanatory videos
In short, easy-to-understand video vignettes, you'll quickly find answers to your questions about the process of filing a complaint against a physician and the ensuing investigative steps.

Complaint against those who practice medicine
A complaint against a physician or medical learner may arise from a breach of professional ethics or dissatisfaction with the services received during a consultation. You can file a complaint so that the Collège des médecins du Québec can investigate the conduct of physicians and future physicians who are at fault.

Illegal practice of medicine
The medical profession is regulated by law; therefore, medical care is subject to established standards.
Practising medicine illegally means a person performs a medical procedure or makes a diagnosis without authorization. Or again, when the title of physician is misappropriated.
Illegal practice of medicine complaint form

What happens when a complaint is filed?
The CMQ studies each complaint. Some complaints can be addressed through a brief intervention with the physician with the complainant’s consent, instead of conducting an investigation, we then refer to it as assistance. If the complaint indicates that the physician has failed to fulfill their obligations, the syndic may decide to conduct an investigation.
FAQs concerning complaints about a physician
Contact Information
The CMQ would like to remind you complaints must be made in writing and can be sent by email or regular mail. Clearly indicate your contact information.
Inquiries Division
Collège des médecins du Québec
1250 René-Lévesque Boulevard West, Suite 3500
Montréal (Québec) H3B 0G2
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 1:00 to 4:30, Friday from 8:00 to noon.
Telephone: 514-933-4441
Email: deonto@cmq.org
An artificial intelligence tool was used to translate the text.