Chad Bezaire

The College of Chiropodists of Ontario alleged that the registrant committed professional misconduct by misdiagnosing a patient's melanoma as a nail fungus, performing unnecessary nail avulsion surgery, and failing to refer the patient to a physician.

The patient subsequently required amputation of his right toe.

Proceeding on an Agreed Statement of Facts, the Tribunal found the registrant engaged in professional misconduct.

The Tribunal accepted a joint submission on penalty, ordering a nine-month suspension, a reprimand, remedial coursework, mentorship, and costs of $24,000.

The College alleged that the Member, a chiropodist, engaged in sexual abuse and professional misconduct by having inappropriate personal and sexual communications with a patient and engaging in inappropriate touching during an unscheduled clinic visit.

The Discipline Committee found the patient's evidence to be unreliable due to inconsistencies and evasiveness during cross-examination.

Conversely, the Member's evidence was clear, consistent, and supported by clinical notes and clinic security protocols.

The College failed to prove the allegations on a balance of probabilities, and the allegations were dismissed.

The College alleged that the Member, a chiropodist, engaged in sexual abuse and professional misconduct by having inappropriate personal and sexual communications with a patient and engaging in inappropriate touching during an unscheduled clinic visit.

The Discipline Committee found the patient's evidence to be unreliable due to inconsistencies and evasiveness during cross-examination.

Conversely, the Member's evidence was clear, consistent, and supported by clinical notes and clinic security protocols.

The College failed to prove the allegations on a balance of probabilities, and the allegations were dismissed.