A Victoria doctor who took a photo of a naked obese patient and sent it to another staff member has been suspended from practicing medicine for six months and fined $20,000.
Urologist Dr. John Kinahan engaged in unprofessional conduct when he took the photo without the patient’s consent, then texted it along with a joke to a third party, the College of Physicians and Surgeons said Wednesday.
The transgression occurred two years ago in the intensive care unit at Royal Jubilee Hospital, according to an anonymous colleague who spoke with CTV News at the time.
The staff member said Kinahan emailed the photo to a nurse, who was also the doctor's personal trainer.
Kinahan later admitted to the misconduct during a disciplinary hearing with the College.
His punishment includes a formal reprimand, a $20,000 fine, and is suspended from his practice for six months starting Jan. 1, 2016 to allow time to for his patients to transfer to other doctors.
But Kinahan could have four months stayed if he completes a multidisciplinary assessment program, a clinician-patient communication program and further education on ethics, boundaries and professionalism, the College said.
He will continue to be monitored by the College upon his return to the job, according to the ruling.
