No biopsy, cytology or ultrasound: Ob-gyn suspended for missing patient's endometrial cancer

A Quebec obstetrician-gynecologist whose failure to do proper diagnostics led to a false conclusion of vaginal dryness in a patient with endometrial cancer has been suspended for six months and fined $7,500. Dr. Gérald W. Stanimir, a Montreal-based practitioner with more than 40 years of experience, recommended hormone replacement therapy to the patient—who had been experiencing post-menopausal bleeding—without conducting a proper clinical investigation, according to the disciplinary council of the Collège des médecins du Québec. An expert appointed by the college to analyze Dr. Stanimir’s diagnosis called the absence of a biopsy, cytology or request for an ultrasound “incomprehensible and contrary to safe medical practice.” Read: Doctor prevails in US$3 million malpractice suit over forceps delivery Dr. Stanimir told the hearing he had felt confident in his diagnosis, even as he admitted he should have probed more deeply. He also insisted that the case was an isolated incident in his long career but the college expressed concern about his problem of competence and “high risk” of recidivism. Prior to this case, Dr. Stanimir had been probed by the college three times—in 2013, 2015 and 2020—for deficiencies in the quality of his clinical investigations. This led to several recommendations, including that he demonstrate rigor in the clinical investigation of patients with various gynecological conditions. "It is clear that the respondent does not seem to understand the importance of all these recommendations," the disciplinary council wrote in its decision. Consequently, it was necessary to impose a dissuasive sanction that would also serve as an example to all members of the profession. Read: Coming soon: New rules for Quebec specialists This latest case stemmed from an appointment in June 2020, when he examined a patient and recommended hormone replacement therapy to address what he concluded was vaginal dryness. The patient consulted another doctor, who sent her for an ultrasound, which revealed she had Stage 1 endometrial cancer. The patient subsequently had an operation for the cancer. In addition to the lack of deeper investigation that led to his misdiagnosis, Dr. Stanimir also omitted to record certain information in the patient’s file. He explained to the council that he must have been disturbed or distracted. Read: Better ob-gyn by design: Doc goes viral after asking Twitterverse how to improve his clinic

No biopsy, cytology or ultrasound: Ob-gyn suspended for missing patient's endometrial cancer

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics