On June 15, 2017, the Discipline Committee found that Dr. Maranda committed an act of professional misconduct in that he has engaged in conduct or 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. Maranda is a cardiologist practising in Ottawa. He received his certificate of registration authorizing independent practice in Ontario in 2005 and his specialist qualification in cardiology in 2007. In the relevant years, Dr. Maranda held privileges at The Ottawa Hospital.
Also, in the relevant years, Dr. Maranda was an assistant professor and an “ePorfolio” group leader at the Faculty of Medicine at a University.
Disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct
Ms A was a student in Dr. Maranda’s ePortfolio group. Dr. Maranda’s role as group leader involved meeting with the group of students approximately twice a year to discuss issues associated with the process of completing medical school and preparing their e-portfolios.
Each student in the group had to submit a draft final ePortfolio posting by the required deadline. The ePortfolio class was to be graded by Dr. Maranda on a pass-fail basis. A student would receive a “pass” so long as the student submitted the required postings.
Ms A requested an extension of time for submitting her draft posting. She explained to Dr. Maranda that she was experiencing personal difficulties following the end of a relationship. Dr. Maranda granted the extension. Later, Dr. Maranda offered to meet with Ms A to offer supportive advice.
Dr. Maranda and Ms A went for drinks and food and discussed Ms A’s personal issues as well as her progress in obtaining a residency placement. Following their meeting, Ms A texted Dr. Maranda to thank him. Their communications became more frequent and personal after that time.
Dr. Maranda and Ms A arranged to meet at a pub again a few weeks later. Following their meeting, they returned to Ms A’s apartment and a sexual encounter took place. The next day, Dr. Maranda and Ms A texted back and forth. After several days, Ms A stopped communicating with Dr. Maranda, who continued to send her messages for a few days.
Subsequently, Ms A submitted a complaint about Dr. Maranda to the University.
Dr. Maranda was advised that he was to have no contact with learners, pending review of Ms A’s complaint by the University’s Professionalism Investigation Committee (the “PIC”). The PIC concluded that Dr. Maranda engaged in a personal relationship with a student and that the relationship constituted a breach in professionalism. Although the PIC recommended a supervised reintegration into the learning environment over the course of three years, Dr. Maranda’s academic appointment at the University was terminated.
Dr. Maranda subsequently resigned his privileges at the Ottawa Hospital.
On June 15, 2017, the Committee ordered and directed that:
- The Registrar impose the following terms, conditions and limitations on Dr. Maranda’s Certificate of Registration:
a) At his own expense, Dr. Maranda shall successfully complete the next available course in Understanding Boundaries at Western University within 6 months of the date of this Order
- Dr. Maranda appear before the panel to be reprimanded.
- Dr. Maranda pay costs to the College for a one day hearing in the amount of $5,500.00 within 30 days of the date of this Order.
Terms and conditions imposed on certificate by: Member
