London doctor disciplined by CPSO still practising

Disciplined doctor still practising CTV London: A doctor found to have engaged in 'disgraceful' conduct is still working at his two London clinics. Cristina Howorun reports.

Dr. Naeem Hafiz Muhammad, who was found to have “engaged in the sexual abuse of a patient” by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, is still working at one of his London clinics.

Muhammad is a family physician who owns and operates two walk-in clinics, one at Wharncliffe Road and Oxford Street and another on Wonderland Road South.

On Feb. 14, the CPSO found Muhammad had “engaged in disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct” in relation to a female patient.

Details published by the CPSO’s Discipline Committee indicate between December 2009 and September 2010, Muhammad made inappropriate comments to and about the woman.

Then in September 2010, he “made inappropriate and sexual comments to her and engaged in sexual abuse of her, including by touching her lips, hugging and kissing her and that this constituted the sexual abuse of a patient.”

Despite the findings of the Discipline Committee, no date for a penalty hearing has been set, and Muhammad continues to practice medicine.

Patients who were told about the disciplinary action were stunned by the news, and wondered why it wasn’t disclosed.

“This isn’t good for the community, especially for London, where we have a doctor still being allowed to practice even though he was found guilty by his peers. I really find it a little bit troubling,” one patient says.

A statement issued by the CPSO said “Apenalty hearing date is scheduled as soon as it possibly can be. Scheduling is dependent on the availability of the five-member discipline panel and the availability of College counsel and defense counsel.”

Possible penalties that could be implemented include revoking or suspending his licence or placing conditions on his practice.

London police say they would investigate if the victim reported the incident to them, but they can’t confirm if that’s the case as the victim’s name has been withheld.