Psychiatrist Robert Proctor Barred from Practicing for 6 Months

An Australian Psychiatrist Robert Proctor has been barred from practicing for 6 months after having sex with a vulnerable former patient who he treated again while practicing in Castlemaine in the 1990s. He committed two acts of professional misconduct brought by the Medical Board of Australia, and his penalty was determined in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal last month. Proctor treated the patient in the 1980s, and remained in contact with her after the conclusion of her treatment.

 

A personal tragedy caused the patient to suffer emotional stress in the 1990s, and soon after Proctor invited her to his house where they had sexual intercourse. The tribunal heard the patient was “crying the whole time” and she believed Proctor had “breached her trust” because he knew of past trauma in her life. The patient resumed treatment with Proctor while he practiced in Castlemaine later in the 1990s, but described their interactions as “more like friends than doctor or patient”. He also engaged in further inappropriate behaviour by showing her a photograph in which he was naked.

 

The tribunal was told that Proctor has not had any substantiated complaint made against him since, and he admitted his conduct was wrong and has apologised. Proctor was reprimanded, and his registration as a medical practitioner will be suspended for 6 months from August 20th this year.

 

Adam Holmes, "Former Castlemaine psychiatrist barred from practising for six months on two professional misconduct findings," Bendigo Advertiser, 11 June 2018, https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/5459362/country-psychiatrist-suspended-for-sex-with-former-patient/