A UK-based neurosurgeon, Dr Chirag Patel, has been suspended for eight months for having a sexual relationship with a vulnerable patient.
The relationship began when the doctor performed surgery on the patient in 2019, but deteriorated by 2023, prompting the patient to report it to the police.
Dr Patel admitted to having a sexual relationship with the patient and sending her explicit images, as well as prescribing addictive medicines to her.
A tribunal concluded that Dr Patel showed a 'reckless disregard for patient safety' and prioritized his personal interests over proper care of the patient.
Dr Patel claimed he was afraid of losing his job due to marital problems and the patient's threats to reveal their relationship.
The panel handed him an eight-month suspension to protect the public from his reckless behavior.
