Nain woman felt 'violated, furious' after doctor's visit
Ashley Edmunds of Nain says she felt violated and angry following what she says was a very uncomfortable encounter with Dr. Adekunle Owolabi nearly two years ago.
Edmunds alleges that Owolabi made inappropriate comments about her appearance, asked very personal questions, and hugged and kissed her during a medical appointment in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in September 2013.
"I was just furious and I just felt so violated," Edmunds told CBC's Labrador Morning on Monday.
Edmunds is the third patient to speak publicly about an alleged incident of misconduct involving Owolabi.
She said she filed a formal complaint with the province's college of physicians and surgeons earlier this month, joining Labrador West residents Cayla Misurka and Arlene Johnson in a growing list of complainants.
Owolabi, who is from Nigeria, moved his private practice from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Labrador City early in 2014.
Edmunds said she decided to speak out after hearing media reports of the allegations by Misurka and Johnson.
"I decided to brush it off (at the time), but it's a regret of mine," said Edmunds.
'Booted for the door'
Edmunds alleges that Olowabi asked if she had a boyfriend and what bars she visited.
When typing a referral into this computer, Edmunds says he dictated aloud, saying things like "Ashley is a very pretty girl."
At the end of the appointment, Edmunds alleges that Owolabi stood in front of the exit. When she approached to shake his hand, she says he hugged her tightly, and kissed her on the cheek.
She alleges he then kissed her a second time, but this time closer to her lips.
She turned her head at the last second, she said.
She said she then pulled away and "booted for the door."
Edmunds said she will participate fully in any investigation.
As for Owolabi, he continues to practice medicine at the Labrador West Health Centre in Labrador City. However, he must be supervised when seeing female patients.
Owolabi has declined comment.
