Monika K. Steger

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario alleged that the registrant engaged in professional misconduct after she was disciplined in Newfoundland and Labrador for altering a patient's medical records and misleading the regulator.

The registrant admitted to the allegations.

The Tribunal found that the registrant engaged in disgraceful, dishonourable, or unprofessional conduct and committed an act of professional misconduct.

Accepting a joint submission on penalty, the Tribunal ordered a two-month suspension, a reprimand, and costs of $6,000.

The plaintiff suffered a severe asthma attack and was admitted to the hospital.

The defendant internist assumed care but failed to promptly consult an intensive care specialist or arrange for timely intubation by an experienced clinician.

The plaintiff was eventually intubated by a respiratory therapist after multiple attempts and suffered a hypoxic brain injury, rendering her an incomplete quadriplegic.

The court found the defendant breached the standard of care by failing to consult a specialist sooner, delaying the decision to intubate, and failing to ensure the most experienced clinician performed the procedure.

The court also found that these breaches caused the plaintiff's brain injury.

Judgment was granted for the plaintiffs.