Carys Massarella

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario brought disciplinary proceedings against a neurosurgeon practising pain medicine.

Following an investigation and reassessment, the physician admitted to failing to maintain the standard of practice in his chronic pain practice, including deficient techniques in cervical spine injections that led to a patient's death.

He also admitted to breaching an interim order restricting him from performing certain injections.

The Tribunal accepted a joint submission on penalty, ordering a reprimand, a six-month suspension, and extensive terms, conditions, and limitations on his certificate of registration, including high-level clinical supervision and professional education.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario brought disciplinary proceedings against the respondent physician for failing to maintain appropriate boundaries with a patient.

The physician and the patient had previously interacted on an online app before the patient attended a surgical consultation.

Following the appointment, the physician engaged in personal communications with the patient via the app and text messages for several weeks.

Based on uncontested facts, the Tribunal found the physician committed professional misconduct.

Accepting a joint submission, the Tribunal ordered a four-month suspension, a reprimand, completion of an ethics course, and costs of $6,000.