Sherman says he's facing professional complaint

The embattled MLA who was kicked out of the Alberta Progressive Conservative caucus for criticizing the government onER backlogstold a radio call-in show Friday that someone called the College of Physicians and Surgeons about his mental health.

Dr. Raj Sherman told CHED Radio's Rutherford show he was contacted Thursday by the college's head of psychiatrists.

"She said 'Raj, I need to do a mental health assessment on you,'" he said. "'Somebody called the college president Dr. Trevor Theman about your mental ability to function' otherwise they're going to take my medical licence."

The person who allegedly calledwasn't named. The college would not confirm whether a complaint was made, citing confidentiality reasons.

Sherman was suspended from the Tory caucus Monday for criticizing the government's record on health care. He now sits in the legislature as an independent.

He alleged in the radio interview that Premier Ed Stelmach was trying to get his medical licence revoked.

Stelmach denied the accusation. He also denied Sherman's accusation that Tory caucus members have been engaged in a whisper campaign against him for the last six weeks.

Sherman would not discuss his allegations with CBC News later on Friday, saying he has now retained legal counsel to deal with the professional complaint. He wanted to focus on keeping the debate going about fixes toAlberta's health-care system.

Horne has a kind heart, AMA head says

Sherman focused his comments Thursday on Edmonton-Rutherford MLA Fred Horne, who was appointed this week to replace Sherman as the parliamentary assistant for health.

Sherman said Horne called Dr. Patrick White, a psychiatrist and president of the Alberta Medical Association,over concerns aboutSherman's stress levels.

Horne acknowleded makingthe call but said the three men are friends and he was only expressing concern. On Friday, White corroborated Horne's account of the phone call, saying hewasn't trying to smear Sherman's reputation.

"I reject that completely and that's just not the case," White said. "Quite honestly, Mr. Horne, I look on as a very ethical individual and really has a kind heart. There's no conspiracy here. This is friends looking after friends."

White said he passed along that information to several of Sherman's close friends, asking them to "watch out for him."