Canadian-based Nigerian doctor suspended for inappropriate kissing

Adekunle Williams Owolabi, a Nigerian medical doctor practising in Canada, has been suspended for inappropriate behavior.

Owolabi was found guilty of professional misconduct after four female patients accused him of making sexual comments and inappropriate kissing and hugging.

While carrying out a pap test, the physician asked a female patient if her preference was “big ones or small ones”.

Elizabeth Mate, the doctor who led the disciplinary tribunal, said his comments were “cavalier and unprofessional”.

Huffington Post reports that in a six-day hearing carried out earlier this year, the doctor who graduated in 2000, denied any wrongdoing.

However, in each of the four complaints Owolabi was found to have shown a lack of respect for his patients.

Ruth Trask, a lawyer representing the college, suggested that Owolabi engaged in a pattern of behaivour and argued for an eight-month suspension with strong reprimand.

Owolabi has 30 days to lodge an appeal with the trial division of the supreme court of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Asides being suspended for six months, the Nigeria-trained doctor must undergo training on doctor-patient boundaries and pay 75,000 dollars for hearing costs.

When he resumes work, Owolabi must have a chaperone with him while seeing female patients for two years.