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Former Hardy doc disciplined for ethics breach

Dr. Andre Jacob de Wit reprimanded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.

Dr. Andre Jacob de Wit, the former Port Hardy physician, has been reprimanded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia after he admitted to engaging in unprofessional conduct during his time in the town.

The doctor will face a litany of disciplinary actions after he admitted entering into a personal and sexual relationship with a patient with whom he had a professional patient-physician relationship.

Dr. de Wit informed the College of these events and acknowledged that the conduct should be penalized. The patient involved did not wish to proceed with a formal complaint or to participate in a disciplinary hearing or any other College process.

Following the issuance of a disciplinary citation, Dr. de Wit consented to the following disposition by the College:

• A transfer from the Full – General/Family class of registration to the Conditional – Disciplined class of registration;

• a six-month suspension from practice effective March 1, 2013 (with three months stayed if terms and conditions are met);

• a formal reprimand;

• completion of a multi-disciplinary assessment program;

• participation in a course of assessment and counselling with a psychiatrist(s) and/or psychologist(s) chosen and approved by the College, with written reports;

• attendance at an interview at the College for the purpose of discussing his conduct and his current understanding of and insight into ethical and professional issues, the assessment(s)/counselling conducted, and to allow the College to further assess and determine the limits and conditions of his registration;

• use of a chaperone throughout all examinations of a sensitive nature involving female patients;

• establishment of a mentorship with a physician approved by the College, with provision of reports acceptable to the College;

• participation in continuing medical education in ethics and professionalism; and

• compliance with any monitoring of his practice established and acceptable to the College.

 

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia is the licensing and regulatory body for all physicians and surgeons in the province. Governed by provincial legislation, the College’s role is to protect the public by establishing, monitoring and enforcing high standards of qualification and ethical practice across the province.