Medicine Hat doctor charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation of person with disability
A doctor from Medicine Hat, Alta., has been charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a person with a disability in relation to an examination in June.
The patient went to a walk-in clinic in the southern Alberta city, about 300 kilometres southeast of Calgary, and was allegedly assaulted during an examination, said Insp. Joe West.
"The circumstances of the sexual assault were patient and doctor, so obviously we'd be concerned that other patients may have similar allegations," West told CBC News.
Dr. Ian Gebhardt, 55, was arrested and charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a person with a disability, and was released on bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 14.
"Police really have no power to remove a physician's licence or anything like that. So we have been in close consultation with the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons," West said.
The college, which governs physicians in the province, confirmed it is aware of this case but the spokesperson was unable to confirm whether or not Gebhardt's licence has been suspended.
Anyone with information can contact Medicine Hat Police by calling 403-529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
- MORE ALBERTA NEWS | Albertans nabbed in suspected fentanyl bust in Saskatchewan
- MORE ALBERTA NEWS | Drowning fatalities on the rise in Alberta, experts say
