Committee: Ontario Physicians and Surgeons Discipline Tribunal
Decision Date: 13 Dec 2021
Summary:
Allegations of Dr. Wardle’s professional misconduct have been referred to what is now called the Ontario Physicians and Surgeons Discipline Tribunal. It is alleged that Dr. Wardle engaged in conduct or an act or omission relevant to the practice of medicine that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct and/or sexual abuse of patients.
Decision Summary: In February and June 2021, allegations of professional misconduct against Dr. Wardle were referred to the Discipline Committee of the College, now the Ontario Physicians and Surgeons Discipline Tribunal.
The OPSDT heard the matter on December 13, 2021 by videoconference. Counsel for the College and counsel for Dr. Wardle attended the hearing, as did Dr. Wardle.
On the basis of an Agreed Statement of Facts and Admission (Liability) and after hearing submissions of both parties, the OPSDT found Dr. Wardle committed an act of professional misconduct in that he engaged in an act or omission relevant to the practice of medicine that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.
Disposition
Upon reviewing the Agreed Statement of Facts on Penalty and taking into account the parties’ joint submission on penalty, the OPSDT issued its Order on December 13, 2021 directing that:
• Dr. Wardle attend before the panel to be reprimanded;
• the Registrar suspend Dr. Wardle’s certificate of registration for five months commencing immediately;
• the Registrar place the following terms, conditions and limitations on Dr. Wardle’s certificate of registration effective immediately:
o Dr. Wardle shall comply with the College Policy “Closing a Medical Practice”;
o Dr. Wardle will participate in the PROBE Ethics & Boundaries Program offered by the Centre for Personalized Education for Professionals, by receiving a passing evaluation or grade, without condition or qualification. Dr. Wardle will complete the PROBE program within six (6) months of the date of this Order, and will provide proof to the College of his completion, including proof of registration and attendance and participant assessment reports, within one (1) month of completing it; and
o Dr. Wardle will attend and successfully complete the SAEGIS Successful Patient Interactions course. Dr. Wardle shall complete this requirement within six (6) months of the date of this Order and shall provide his certificate of attendance to the College within one (1) month of completion, including the number of credits received. If the program is unavailable within that time, Dr. Wardle may fulfill this requirement by completing another program related to this topic acceptable to the College within the same time period and forthwith providing proof of completion to the College; and
• Dr. Wardle pay costs to the College in the amount of $6000.00
Reasons for decision
On February 3, 2022, the Tribunal released its reasons for decision, which are available on the websites of the Tribunal and the College.