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
Prince William and Kate release photo of daughter Charlotte to mark ninth birthday
Prince William and his wife Kate released a picture of their daughter Charlotte to mark the princess's ninth birthday on Thursday.
Ontario man loses $1,500 applying for Nexus cards on social media
The trusted traveller program between Canada and the United States is extremely popular and almost two million Canadians have a Nexus card.
NEW Facial reconstruction reveals what a 40-something Neanderthal woman may have looked like
Scientists studying a Neanderthal woman's remains have painstakingly pieced together her skull from 200 bone fragments to understand what she may have looked like.
Campus protests: Israeli academics say their universities are 'best chance' for peace
One of the demands of pro-Palestinian activists who have set up protest encampments on university campuses in Canada and the United States is a severing of ties with Israeli universities.
Concerns about Plexiglas prompt inspections at some Loblaws locations in Ottawa
Inspections are underway at more than one Loblaws location in Ottawa after complaints were filed about tall Plexiglas barriers.
Weight-loss drug Wegovy available in Canada starting May 6
The makers of Ozempic say their weight-loss drug Wegovy will be available to patients in Canada starting Monday.
Five human skeletons, missing hands and feet, found outside house of Nazi leader Hermann Goring
Archeologists have unearthed the skeletons of five people, missing their hands and feet, at a former Nazi military base in Poland.
This Canadian restaurant just lowered its prices. Here's how it did it
A Canadian restaurant lowered its prices this week, and though news of price tags dropping rather than climbing sounds unusual, the business strategy in this case is not, according to experts in the field.
NEW Companies letting customers opt out of Mother's Day ads
In an effort to balance the profitability of Mother's Day with the pain it causes some people, some brands are offering customers the choice to opt out of Mother's Day email advertising.