‘This was an abuse of the trust that both (complainants) placed in him, and the hearing tribunal finds that the proven conduct is serious,’ stated the college’s ruling
A Calgary doctor found guilty of improperly touching two female patients has been stripped of his ability to practise medicine.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta last January issued the sanction against Dr. Phu Truong Vu, something it called “a severe punishment” for acts for which he was found guilty in 2022.
It found that contrary to the patients’ reason for their visits, he performed pelvic exams on the women while making sexual comments during the procedures, one of which occurred on Nov. 1, 2017, and another on Feb. 4, 2020.
“This was an abuse of the trust that both (complainants) placed in him, and the hearing tribunal finds that the proven conduct is serious,” stated the college’s ruling.
“Patients who are undergoing sensitive examinations do not expect physicians to abuse that trust by engaging in touching of intimate body parts, or providing advice about what sexual positions are less likely to cause pain on intercourse, for reasons that are not indicated.”
In their submissions, both complainants emphasized how Vu’s actions had damaged their sense of trust and well-being.
One of them said that distrust extended particularly to the medical practitioners and that “she felt isolated, mentally distressed, depressed, anxious and exhausted . . . having flashbacks and intrusive thoughts, which have affected her interpersonal and intimate relationships.”
Vu’s other victim expressed similar sentiments, saying she was already in a vulnerable emotional state when the abuse occurred and that its impacts have been deep and far-reaching.
“Although the incident involved a violation of her body, the impacts were far-reaching, affecting her mental and emotional state, and creating a tidal wave of destruction,” states the college ruling.
Those effects, she said, extended to a loss of employment, housing and impacts on her business.
‘He has been apologetic and remorseful in his testimony’: decision
Two licensed practical nurses who had worked with Vu told the hearing tribunal they had never seen the physician conduct such examinations, though one of them testified she was not the main nurse who acted as a chaperone in those settings.
Vu’s counsel argued the physician’s inexperience should be a mitigating factor in any penalty but the college dismissed that.
But it did give weight to the fact no previous complaints had been lodged against him and that he’s expressed remorse.
“Dr. Vu has consistently acknowledged what occurred and its effect on patients,” states the decision.
“He has been apologetic and remorseful in his testimony. Dr. Vu’s testimony is consistent with (another physician’s) testimony, that he is at a low
risk of reoffending.”
It also noted Vu received several letters of support that spoke positively of his character.
The physician has also been ordered to pay $10,000 for costs, with the college insisting all the sanctions imposed on him should be aimed at deterrence.
“A penalty aimed at ensuring that physicians respect their patient’s boundaries, and do not (even unintentionally) violate their patient’s sexual integrity is required,” it stated.
“This is especially the case given the significant power imbalance inherent in the physician-patient relationship, and the trust that patients must necessarily place in physicians.”
One of the complainants has launched a civil action against Vu.