Medicine Hat doctor sanctioned by tribunal over inappropriate sexual contact with patient
A Medicine Hat family physician has been sanctioned by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta after being found guilty of sexual touching of a vulnerable patient.
The June 2017 incident involved a developmentally-delayed man whose mother testified to the tribunal that he told her that Dr. Gebhardt touched him in a sexual manner while he was alone with the doctor in his office.
Dr. Ian Gebhardt’s practice permit was suspended for 20 months, with 17.5 months already served.
The remaining time is being held in abeyance “pending compliance with the Tribunal’s remaining orders,” the statement issued by the CPSA said, as “Gebhardt was already out of practice.”
A chaperone who is a regulated health professional has been required to be present for all of Gebhardt’s patient encounters since 2022.
He must also participate in a multi-disciplinary assessment at his own cost, and his practice permit depends on the outcome of the assessment, with the hearing tribunal retaining the authority to dictate the terms.
Gebhardt is also liable for two-thirds of the cost of the investigation and hearing.
The doctor has appealed the finding of unprofessional conduct made by the hearing tribunal. Meanwhile, the CPSA’s complaint director has appealed the decision to suspend Gebhardt’s practice permit rather than cancel his registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre unrepentant over calling Trudeau 'wacko' as his MPs say Speaker should resign
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he does not regret calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'wacko,' and now his MPs are renewing calls for the House of Commons Speaker to resign, this time over ordering the Official Opposition leader to leave the chamber.
Is it cold, flu or norovirus? Symptoms explained
The highly contagious norovirus is spreading across Canada, with some symptoms overlapping with other viruses. CTVNews.ca spoke with a health expert to find out how you can tell you have norovirus, the most common form of stomach flu, and what to do if you have it.
Ontario's police watchdog continues probe of high-speed pursuit involving fatal crash
The investigation continues into a collision that killed two grandparents and their infant grandchild during a high-speed police chase on the wrong way of Highway 401 east of Toronto.
No criminal charges after 4 newborn bodies found in Boston freezer
A prosecutor in Massachusetts won't seek criminal charges against anyone, two years after four newborns were found in a freezer in a South Boston apartment.
Anger can harm your blood vessel function, study shows
Stress and anger can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health, studies have shown. New research points to just how the mechanism may work.
Freeland leaves capital gains tax change out of coming budget implementation bill, here's why
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be tabling yet another omnibus bill to pass a sweeping range of measures promised in her April 16 federal budget, though left out of the legislation will be the government's proposed capital gains tax change.
Ontario woman surprised after 20-year-old fines suddenly tank credit score
An Ontario woman says that she was shocked when fines from 20 years ago suddenly tanked her credit score last week, but the situation may not be as unusual as it seems, according to at least one debt expert.
Search continues for 'armed man' in Dartmouth, N.S.
Police say they continue to search for an armed man who allegedly threatened people in Dartmouth, N.S.
Swarm of bees delays Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles game in Arizona. An 'MVP' beekeeper came to the rescue
Major League Baseball fans had an unexpected buzz on Tuesday after a swarm of bees delayed the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game for around two hours.