A Richmond doctor has launched a libel lawsuit against the B.C. Medical Association, claiming its board engaged in a "campaign of vilification" against her.

In a statement of claim filed Friday in B.C. Supreme Court, Dr. Caroline Wang - a former five-term board member - alleges several current and former members of the board destroyed her reputation and credibility and sabotaged her campaign during the 2008 BCMA elections through a series of public e-mails and publications.

"She's alleging they've had a tremendous impact on her," said Wang's lawyer, Roger McConchie.

Wang was highly critical of a multi-million dollar fee deal with the provincial government that the BCMA tried to push through in 2005.

Largely due to her lobbying and distributing a letter outlining the drawbacks of the plan, the 11,000 members of the BCMA voted down the deal - eventually earning a more lucrative agreement.

Since then, the statement of claim says Wang has been the subject to hostility and an investigation into her conduct as a board member - which the court found to be without merit in a separate case that's now under appeal by the BCMA.

The alleged smear campaign cost her re-election to the board in 2008 and damaged her career, Wang alleges.

BCMA spokesperson Sharon Shore told 24 hours the association learned about the lawsuit Tuesday and would not immediately comment.

Matt Kieltyka reports for Vancouver 24 hours.