Tribunal finds individual 'transgressed professional sexual boundaries'
A doctor who sent sexually explicit messages to one of his former patients has seen his registration cancelled for professional misconduct.
The State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) cancelled Benjamin Saunders' registration after he sent inappropriate and sexually explicit messages to one of his patients between 2017 and 2018.
Among the comments were "such a f***** turn on," the tribunal heard. He also sent an inappropriate and sexually explicit voice message mentioning his desire to have sexual acts with the patient, a picture of his penis and asked the patient for images of her body.
Saunders was terminated "effective immediately" after a series of complaints were made against him, the SAT heard. His employer also made a mandatory notification to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA), which commenced an investigation upon learning the incident.
Saunders, around that time, threatened the partner of his former patient and said he would leak her photos. Among the messages he sent include: "When the photos of her come out. She's f****d. Sleep tight." and "She won't be laughing much longer. Nor will the hospital."
AHPRA's investigation looked into Saunders' professional conduct and revealed other cases involving him with other patients.
At the SAT, Saunders accepted that the messages he sent to the patient's partner "should never have been sent." He was also "regretful and remorseful" about an incident with another patient.
The SAT cancelled his registration for professional misconduct after he "transgressed professional sexual boundaries" with a patient. He is also disqualified from applying for registration for a period of 12 months starting after the order's release.
"The effect of the cancellation will be significant, as the cancellation of Dr. Saunders' right to practice will lead to the cancellation of his visa, and he may therefore need to depart Australia," the tribunal said.
Saunders is also ordered to pay $45,000 as part of legal costs in the case.
