Radiologist gets 12-month timeout for physically violating patient

A radiologist in the U.K. has received a 1-year suspension for inappropriately touching a patient while conducting a spinal ultrasound exam.

The physician, Prashant Sankaye, MBBS, is head of MSK imaging at Imperial College London and a respected expert in imaging sports injuries, according to an article published Oct. 10 in the Daily Mail.

The outlet reports Sankaye has denied the charges, suggesting the female patient may have mistaken clinical palpation for intentional groping.

The national Medical Practitioners Service Tribunal didn’t buy the physician’s side of the story, ruling his actions were sexually motivated, the Daily Mail relays.

The article quotes the patient at length, showing she gave a detailed account of the incident.

Meanwhile the article’s comment box shows readers largely agreeing the punishment is too lenient.

“One year for a complete betrayal of trust and for committing an assault,” one reader writes. “Why would he ever be left near a patient again?”

RB readers who wish to get the rest from the Daily Mail may do so here.

Dave Pearson

Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.

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