Five-month suspension and $56K in costs: Endocrinologist performed unnecessary stethoscope and breast exams

A Saskatchewan doctor who touched the breasts of seven female patients under the pretext of stethoscope or breast examinations has been suspended for five months and ordered to pay more than $56,300 in investigation and hearing costs. Dr. El-fellani Mohammed, an endocrinologist who practises in Regina, had been found guilty four years ago of similar offences against two female patients. That case led to a three-month suspension, costs of about $87,500 and a permanent condition that he see female patients only in the presence of a female practice monitor. According to the most recent case decision by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan’s disciplinary hearing committee, Dr. Mohammed had conducted medically unnecessary stethoscope examinations on six of the patients. During these exams, he put his hand and the stethoscope down or up the patient’s shirt without warning or consent, and touched the patient’s breast. Two of these patients were minors at the time of the offences. On several occasions, Dr. Mohammed took photographs of one of these girls in the presence of her mother. He offered no explanation for these actions and none of the photos were included or referred to in the patient’s records. Read: Appeal denied: 80-year-old doctor convicted of sexual abuse starts serving jail sentence An expert witness hired by the college concluded that the stethoscope and breast exams conducted by Dr. Mohammed did not meet the standard of practice for an endocrinologist and for the medical profession. Dr. Mohammed subjected one patient to a breast exam—also medically unwarranted—without a medical gown or any form of draping. He stayed in the exam room while the patient removed her shirt and bra. These exams were not “consistently charted” in the patients’ records, according to the decision document. Dr. Mohammed also made inappropriate comments to a couple of the patients, including asking “how sex was” with men other than the patient’s husband, and remarking that one patient was very pretty and that her husband was a “very lucky man.” Read: Doctor who gave two patients unsolicited sex counselling during vaginal exam is suspended ahead of final sanctions On one occasion he blocked the door of the exam room at the end of the appointment, forcing the patient to brush up against him as she left. “In all instances charged, we conclude Dr. Mohammed was guilty of unprofessional conduct,” wrote the disciplinary hearing committee. In addition to suspension and costs, the college ordered Dr. Mohammed to post a sign in his clinic stating he will not see female patients without the presence of a practice monitor. This undertaking will remain in effect for as long as Dr. Mohammed is licensed to practise in Saskatchewan. Read: Suspended for three years: Doctor blew the whistle on his own sexual misconduct

Five-month suspension and $56K in costs: Endocrinologist performed unnecessary stethoscope and breast exams

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