Portsmouth surgeon who ‘stripped naked in cubicle’ struck off

A surgeon working at Portsmouth’s Queen Alexandra Hospital has been struck off the medical register after a series of serious misconduct allegations, including stripping naked in a toilet cubicle and sexually harassing multiple colleagues. Dr. Samuel Stefan, a colorectal surgeon, was found to have engaged in behaviour deemed "sexually harassing" and a "serious breach of expected standards" by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS). The tribunal heard that Dr. Stefan had arranged to meet a junior colleague in a hospital toilet cubicle, where he subsequently stripped naked and implied they would engage in sexual activity. The junior colleague described himself as "shocked, numb and scared" by the encounter, stating he had only agreed to meet in that location for convenience and had not anticipated any sexual advances.

The MPTS panel detailed multiple instances of Dr. Stefan’s inappropriate conduct. In addition to the incident in the cubicle, he was found to have attempted to kiss another colleague and exposed himself to him. Furthermore, the tribunal heard evidence that Dr. Stefan repeatedly attempted to touch the thigh and penis of a third colleague while they were both on duty on the hospital wards. The panel concluded that Dr. Stefan’s actions constituted "very serious" misconduct, demonstrating a profound lack of professional judgment and a disregard for the well-being and boundaries of his colleagues.

Crucially, the tribunal noted that Dr. Stefan had not offered any apology to the junior colleague he met in the cubicle, nor to the other two individuals he was found to have sexually harassed. This lack of remorse or accountability further solidified the panel’s decision regarding the severity of his actions. Dr. Stefan was not represented at the disciplinary hearing, which took place last month, and he did not attend the proceedings himself, leaving the panel to make its determinations based on the evidence presented.

The ramifications of Dr. Stefan’s behaviour extended beyond the immediate distress caused to his colleagues. The first man affected by the incidents reported the allegations to the police. However, the other two men who experienced Dr. Stefan’s harassment did not report their experiences to the authorities, citing "embarrassment" as the reason for their reticence. This suggests a climate where victims of workplace harassment, particularly within professional settings, may feel hesitant to come forward due to fear of reprisal or social stigma. The MPTS panel’s findings underscore the importance of robust reporting mechanisms and supportive environments for medical professionals to raise concerns about misconduct.

The MPTS panel’s decision to erase Dr. Stefan from the medical register means he is no longer permitted to practise medicine in the United Kingdom. This severe sanction reflects the gravity of the breaches of professional conduct and the potential harm Dr. Stefan’s actions posed to his colleagues and, by extension, to patient care. The tribunal’s judgment stated unequivocally that Dr. Stefan would be immediately erased from the medical register following the hearing. This swift action indicates the panel’s determination to protect the public and uphold the integrity of the medical profession.

The incidents at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth have brought to light significant concerns regarding professional boundaries and the expected conduct of medical practitioners. The tribunal’s report highlights the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful working environment for all healthcare professionals. The detailed findings against Dr. Stefan serve as a stark reminder that even in seemingly private or informal settings within a hospital, such as toilet cubicles, professional standards of behaviour must be rigorously upheld. The implication of sexual activity in a hospital cubicle, especially by a senior surgeon towards a junior colleague, represents a profound abuse of power and trust.

The MPTS plays a vital role in regulating the medical profession in the UK, ensuring that doctors maintain the highest standards of competence and good conduct. Their investigations and disciplinary hearings are crucial for maintaining public confidence in the healthcare system. In this case, the panel’s thorough examination of the evidence led to a decisive outcome, aimed at preventing further harm and reinforcing the ethical framework that governs medical practice. The ruling against Dr. Stefan emphasizes that such egregious behaviour cannot be tolerated and will result in the most severe professional consequences.

The tribunal’s finding that Dr. Stefan repeatedly tried to touch the thigh and penis of a third colleague while working on the wards is particularly disturbing. This suggests a pattern of persistent and unwanted physical contact, which goes beyond a single lapse in judgment and indicates a deliberate disregard for personal boundaries and professional ethics. Such behaviour can have a devastating impact on the victim, creating a hostile work environment and potentially affecting their career and mental well-being. The fact that this colleague did not report the incidents due to embarrassment further underscores the challenges faced by those who experience such harassment.

The lack of apology from Dr. Stefan is a significant factor in the MPTS’s decision. A genuine expression of remorse and a commitment to rehabilitation can sometimes influence disciplinary outcomes. However, in this instance, the absence of any such overtures suggests a lack of understanding or acceptance of the severity of his actions. This further reinforces the panel’s conclusion that Dr. Stefan posed an ongoing risk and that his erasure from the medical register was the only appropriate course of action to protect the public and the reputation of the medical profession.

The events at the Queen Alexandra Hospital raise broader questions about the culture within medical institutions and the effectiveness of existing policies and procedures for reporting and addressing sexual harassment and misconduct. While the MPTS has taken decisive action against Dr. Stefan, it is imperative that hospitals continue to foster environments where staff feel safe to report concerns without fear of retribution. This includes providing clear and accessible reporting channels, offering confidential support services for victims, and conducting thorough and impartial investigations into all allegations.

The decision to strike Dr. Samuel Stefan off the medical register serves as a powerful message that such behaviour will not be tolerated within the medical profession. It is a testament to the MPTS’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and protecting the integrity of healthcare in the United Kingdom. The immediate erasure from the register ensures that Dr. Stefan can no longer practise medicine, thereby safeguarding potential patients and colleagues from further harm. The case highlights the critical importance of accountability, professionalism, and respect in the workplace, particularly within a field as sensitive and vital as healthcare. The tribunal’s findings are a clear indication that breaches of trust and professional boundaries, especially of a sexual nature, will be met with the strictest possible sanctions.