On May 24, 2016, the Discipline Committee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario found that Dr. Atef Malak Shehata Ghali 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. Ghali, who practised family medicine in Egypt until 2006, obtained his Certificate of Independent Practice in Ontario 2012.
Dr. Ghali treated Patient A at a family health clinic for depression, anxiety, and other health issues.
In May 2014, Patient A made a report of unwanted hugging and kissing by Dr. Ghali to staff at the family health clinic, who then initiated the mandatory report to the College.
On two occasions, Dr. Ghali concluded the appointment by kissing Patient A on the cheek and hugging her. Patient A was upset by the kisses and hugs and felt that Dr. Ghali's conduct was inappropriate in the context of a medical appointment.
While Dr. Ghali intended his conduct to be supportive of Patient A, he now recognizes that his conduct was not appropriate conduct for a physician towards his patient, that it breached appropriate physician-patient boundaries and was not welcomed in any way by Patient A.
PENALTY AND COSTS
The Discipline Committee ordered and directed that:
- the Registrar suspend Dr. Ghali's Certificate of Registration for a three (3) month period effective immediately;
- the Registrar impose the following term, condition and limitation on Dr. Ghali's certificate of registration, to be removed once the College receives proof of completion of the course:
- Dr. Ghali shall successfully complete the next available course in Understanding Boundaries, at his own expense;
- Dr. Ghali appear before the panel to be reprimanded; and that
- Dr. Ghali pay costs to the College for a one day hearing in the amount of $5,000.00 within 30 days of the date of this Order.