Former patients of Dr. Stellios (Stan) Theodoros, a retired Brisbane doctor, have come forward with allegations of misconduct, claiming they feel “violated” after undergoing an “excessive” number of pap smears and, in one case, being kissed on the lips. The Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) has filed disciplinary proceedings against Dr. Theodoros in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), citing 25 allegations of professional misconduct involving seven patients.
Dr. Theodoros, a former general practitioner and co-owner of Wellers Hill Medical Centre in Brisbane, is accused of conducting pap smears, breast checks, and pelvic examinations that were neither clinically indicated nor reasonably required. The allegations, which span from 2002 to 2015, also include inadequate medical record-keeping, failure to maintain professional boundaries, and lack of reasonable care and skill.
Patient Experiences and Allegations
Beverley Glen*, one of the former patients, shared her experience with the ABC, stating that Dr. Theodoros was the first practitioner to perform a pap smear on her. Initially trusting his medical opinion, she later became uncomfortable with the frequency and nature of the examinations. Beverley recounted an instance where Dr. Theodoros commented on her breasts during a check, which she found inappropriate.
Another patient, Charlotte White*, described feeling vulnerable when she first sought treatment from Dr. Theodoros due to her mental health condition. Despite a negative biopsy result following an abnormal pap smear, Charlotte was subjected to frequent pap smears over two years, beyond the recommended timeframe. She expressed anxiety over the invasive nature of these exams.
“You just trust your doctor,” Charlotte said, reflecting on her experience.
Legal Proceedings and Professional Implications
The OHO’s initial notification about Dr. Theodoros came in 2015, following concerns raised by another doctor at the practice. Allegations include inappropriate touching, kissing a patient, and requesting a patient to strip naked for a breast and skin check post-pap smear. Dr. Theodoros acknowledges the examinations and record-keeping issues but disputes the necessity and appropriateness of the exams, as well as the maintenance of professional boundaries.
Despite Dr. Theodoros’s attempts to dismiss the proceedings, arguing his retirement and the dated nature of the allegations, QCAT member David Reid emphasized the importance of addressing such misconduct to ensure safe and competent medical practice. The tribunal proceedings have been protracted, having commenced over five years after the initial complaint.
“The detection and punishment of doctors who engage in misconduct does have the effect of promoting the safe and competent conduct of all practitioners,” said Dr. Reid.
Regulatory Actions and Patient Reactions
In 2016, the Medical Board of Australia imposed conditions on Dr. Theodoros’s registration, prohibiting him from seeing female patients without a chaperone and performing gynecological procedures. Although he voluntarily complied with these conditions and ceased treating female patients before retiring in 2021, Beverley expressed frustration over the time taken for regulatory action.
Charlotte, reflecting on the drawn-out process, noted the limitations of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s powers and the potential for similar incidents elsewhere. She underscored the importance of media coverage in bringing such issues to light.
“No-one, except the people it’s happened to, knows that it’s happened,” she said.
As the tribunal continues to deliberate, the case highlights critical concerns about patient safety, professional ethics, and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight in the medical field.
*Names have been changed to protect privacy.
