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Sudbury doctor accused of sexually abusing a patient

Physician is currently not allowed to see any patients without a monitor present
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A Sudbury physician has been scheduled to appear for a hearing before the discipline committee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario after allegations that he committed an act of professional misconduct. (File)

A Sudbury physician has been scheduled to appear for a hearing before the discipline committee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (College) over allegations he sexually abused a patient.

It's alleged that Dr. Paul Malette of Val Caron sexually abused a patient (who is unnamed) and engaged in "disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct" towards the patient, including "by kissing and/or attempting to kiss her, by touching her body, including her genital area, in a manner that was sexual and/or inappropriate."

Malette is listed as a physician at the Val Caron Clinic operated by the City of Lakes Family Health Team. Sudbury.com has reached out to City of Lakes for more information, but our call has not been returned.

He is also alleged to have breached boundaries, and made inappropriate remarks and remarks of a sexual nature towards the patient.

Malette's certificate of registration now has a number of conditions and limitations imposed against it. He cannot see any patients, of any age or in any jurisdiction, alone. A patient monitor, who is a regulated health professional acceptable to the College, must be present at all times.

Malette must also inform the College of each and every location he practices or has privileges including, but not limited to, hospital(s), clinic(s) and office(s), in any jurisdiction.

Going forward, Malette must inform the College of any and all new practice locations within five days of commencing practice at that location. He must also post a sign in all waiting rooms, exam rooms, and consulting rooms in all of his practice locations, stating that these conditions have been imposed, as well as ensure that each patient with whom he has a professional encounter is directly notified prior to the encounter, with the details of the restrictions.

If the discipline panel finds that Malette did in fact commit an act of professional misconduct, he can have his member's certificate revoked or suspended, and be fined up to $35,000.

If the act of professional misconduct was the sexual abuse of a patient, Malette may be required to reimburse the College for funding provided for that patient. The discipline panel may also make an order requiring Malette to pay all or part of the College’s costs and expenses.

The full notice of hearing for Dr. Malette can be found here.



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