On December 6, 2012, the Discipline Committee found that Dr. Munjal Shirish Parikh committed an act of professional misconduct, in that he has engaged in an act or omission relevant to the practice of medicine that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional. Dr. Parikh admitted the allegation.
Dr. Parikh is a family physician. After a counselling session with Patient A in 2006, during which the patient's difficult situation was discussed, in his examination room, without a chaperone present, Dr. Parikh initiated a hug with Patient A. Although Dr. Parikh indicates that was a supportive hug, Patient A believed that sexual intent was present.
During 2006, Dr. Parikh gave Patient A sums of cash amounting to approximately $7,000 to assist her with her financial difficulties. He also provided Patient A with his cell phone number. In 2005 and 2006, Dr. Parikh and Patient A engaged in cell phone contact.
The Discipline Committee ordered and directed that:
the Registrar suspend Dr. Parikh's certificate of registration for a period of two (2) months commencing on December 6, 2012.
the Registrar impose the following terms, conditions and limitations on Dr. Parikh's certificate of registration:
Dr. Parikh must successfully complete, at his own expense, College-facilitated instruction in Ethics within the next year.
Dr. Parikh must successfully complete, at his own expense, College-facilitated instruction in Understanding Boundaries.
Dr. Parikh shall ensure that he has available at all times he sees female patients, a female chaperone to be present during an appointment if a patient so requests.
Dr. Parikh shall post a sign in his waiting room and in each of his examination rooms, in clearly visible locations, that states: "A female chaperone is available to all female patients of Dr. Parikh. Please advise the receptionist or Dr. Parikh if you would like to have a chaperone present during your appointment."
Dr. Parikh shall ensure that information sheets are available in his waiting room at all times, advising patients that he will ensure that a chaperone is available to female patients, to be in attendance for any visit or part of a visit, if requested.
Dr. Parikh attend before this panel to be reprimanded.
Dr. Parikh pay costs to the College in the amount of $3650.00 within 60 days of the date of this order.
Terms and conditions imposed on certificate by: Discipline Committee