Former Interior Health Chief Faces Consequences: Convicted of Sex Crime and Stripped of Medical License

Albert Stefanus De Villiers, a former chief medical officer for Interior Health in British Columbia, has officially surrendered his medical license. This decision comes two years after he was sentenced for sexual interference involving a minor. As a result, he can’t practice medicine anywhere in Canada.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia announced this disciplinary action publicly on May 20. De Villiers agreed to give up his license effective March 1, 2023, and he has also pledged not to apply for a license in any other jurisdiction.

Before his time in Kelowna, De Villiers served as the lead medical health officer in Alberta’s Northern Zone. The troubling incidents that led to his conviction reportedly occurred while he was in that role, between 2017 and 2020. Initially, he faced two charges: one for sexual assault and another for sexual interference with a minor. The sexual assault charge was eventually dropped because it was too similar to the other charge.

On February 7, 2023, the Court of King’s Bench in Alberta found him guilty of sexual interference. By June, he was sentenced to five and a half years in prison. Victim statements shared during the sentencing revealed the deep emotional impact of his actions on the family involved.

Interestingly, social media users have reacted strongly to this case, illustrating a broader conversation about accountability in the medical profession. The B.C. College emphasized the severity of De Villiers’s actions, calling his conduct “egregious” in their May 2 decision, which highlighted the importance of safeguarding the trust placed in healthcare professionals.

De Villiers’s case sheds light on critical issues surrounding child safety and the responsibilities of those in power. Current statistics indicate that reports of child sexual abuse are rising. According to recent findings, one in ten children in Canada will experience some form of sexual abuse before they turn 18.

This alarming reality emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and effective reporting mechanisms. Experts in child protection advocate for more resources and training to help healthcare professionals identify and respond to red flags, reinforcing the importance of trust and safety in healthcare settings.

The fallout from De Villiers’s actions serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in positions of authority. Moving forward, it’s crucial that all institutions uphold the highest standards to protect the most vulnerable among us.



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