Doctor who gave two patients unsolicited sex counselling during vaginal exam is suspended ahead of final sanctions

An Alberta doctor who conducted unsolicited and clinically unwarranted dyspareunia-related sex counselling during pelvic examinations on two patients has been suspended immediately ahead of a sanction decision by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. Dr. Phu Vu, a family physician in Calgary, was found guilty of sexual boundary violation in one case and sexual abuse in the second case, which occurred after the province brought in Bill 21: An Act to Protect Patients—a new law that applies consistent penalties to all regulated health professionals for findings of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct. While Dr. Vu was found guilty of two different types of misconduct—because one case pre-dated the current law while the other case was judged based on the new law—his actions in both cases were virtually identical, according to the decision document issued by the college. Read: Roundup: How do Canada's physician colleges differ on handling sexual misconduct complaints? During the hearings, both female patients testified that during their appointment with Dr. Vu, he conducted an internal pelvic exam after asking if he could do so without the presence of a chaperone. The patients said they consented to the exam, which was clinically indicated, without an attendant present because they trusted Dr. Vu. However in each case, after removing the speculum Dr. Vu inserted his fingers in the patient’s vagina and applied pressure in particular areas to demonstrate how it would feel if a penis were to make contact in those areas. He also provided advice on which sexual positions were less likely to cause pain, according to the decision document. Read: Neurologist facing court proceedings in cases alleging sexual assaults against multiple patients During his testimony, Dr. Vu explained that his actions were a standard part of dyspareunia counselling that he provided as "extra advice" to patients with a short vaginal canal or low-lying cervix or who have a history of dyspareunia or uterine prolapse. However, both women testified that during the appointment in question, neither had complained to Dr. Vu about dyspareunia or pain during sexual intercourse. The provision of dyspareunia counselling was not documented in their patients' files. Dr. Vu has acknowledged that although he had two months of residency in obstetrics and gyneological care, he has no specific training or research to support his practice of providing dyspareunia counselling. He has been ordered to cease practising until the hearing tribunal releases its sanction decision. Read: No explanation, no consent: Surgeon suspended for touching breasts of two female patients

Doctor who gave two patients unsolicited sex counselling during vaginal exam is suspended ahead of final sanctions

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