A Sault Ste. Marie doctor will face a discipline committee hearing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario over allegations of professional misconduct.
A date for the hearing has not been set yet, but a notice of hearing has been posted on the organization’s website.
Dr. Brian Albert Shamess is facing allegations of professional misconduct. Shamess practices out of the Algoma Sports Medicine & Physical Injuries Clinic on Queen Street East.
"There is absolutely no basis for these allegations," said Shamess, in a statement.
"The disciplinary hearing will be an opportunity for me to respond to the allegations, prove that they are completely meritless, and then move on from what has been an extremely stressful and unwarranted ordeal. I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my patients, colleagues and members of the community for your overwhelming support."
In the College’s notice of hearing, it states: “It is alleged that Dr. Shamess engaged in the sexual abuse of Patient A and/or in disgraceful, dishonorable or unprofessional conduct by, among other things, inappropriate and/or sexual comments to Patient A about her appearance and inappropriate, sexual and/or physical contact with Patient A’s breasts and Patient A’s back.”
The College, which is the governing body for physicians in Ontario, has investigated the allegations andnow, a panel of the discipline committee will hold a hearing in Toronto to decide whether Shamess has committed an act or acts of professional misconduct.
If the panel finds he has committed professional misconduct, he could face a variety of repercussions, including loss of his certificate of registration or a fine of not more than $35,000.
As a result of the college’s investigation, it has imposed the following restrictions:
• Dr. Shamess will practise under the guidance of a Clinical Supervisor acceptable to the College for 6 months.
• Dr. Shamess will engage in professional education in record keeping and safe opioid prescribing.
• Dr. Shamess’s practice will be reassessed by an assessor selected by the College within 6 months of the end of the period of Clinical Supervision.
For a look at the full notice of hearing, check out our newslinks page.
