Calgary family doctor sanctioned by Alta. College of Physicians and Surgeons for touching assistant without consent

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta logo. (CPSA)

Following a hearing tribunal by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), a Calgary doctor has been sanctioned.

Dr. Victor Taye Fadayomi, a family physician, was found guilty of unprofessional conduct for a Sept. 2023 incident when he touched the breast of one of his medical office assistants without her consent.

In his testimony, Fadayomi admitted to touching the breast of the complainant but contended that the contact was entirely accidental and unintentional.

In her testimony, the complainant said she was working at a computer in the clinic shortly after 9 a.m. when Fadayomi came out to her desk after the first patient of the day left and stood behind her on the left side as she was linking documents into the computer. As she worked, “He then suddenly reached over her left shoulder and touched her left breast and pinched her nipple.”

The complainant said she pushed his hand, and the doctor tried touching her a second time, before she asked, “What are you doing?” When he walked away, she said the doctor was laughing and said, “Succulent breast.”

She said she stayed at work for the rest of her shift and didn’t discuss it any further with Fadayomi until the following Monday, when he asked to speak with her in an exam room. There, she said he apologized for touching her “and stated a devil made him do it.”

After speaking with her father, the complainant subsequently filed a police complaint and quit her job the following day.

Because the complainant wasn’t a patient, mandatory sanctions for sexual abuse under the Health Professions Act don’t apply.

Fadayomi received a reprimand. His practice permit was suspended for four months, with three months to be served and one month held in abeyance pending completion of the tribunal’s remaining orders.

He was ordered to complete a program on ethics and boundaries and is responsible for 60 per cent of the costs of the investigation and hearing.