Local sleep doctor has medical licence revoked

Doctor’s repeated misconduct shows he is ‘ungovernable,’ college finds

WATERLOO REGION — A doctor who ran two sleep clinics in Waterloo Region has had his medical licence revoked by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario for behaviour it described as “both immoral and dishonest.”

Dr. Wagdy Botros’ licence was immediately revoked with the college’s ruling on Friday, and he was ordered to pay costs of nearly $40,000.

Botros’ history with the college since 2002 and his history of not complying with its orders demonstrates that he is “ungovernable,” according to the college’s written decision. His “misconduct was not an isolated incident, rather, it was repetitive and persistent over a lengthy period.”

The penalty follows a March decision by the college that Botros, who operated the Sleep Clinic with locations in Kitchener, Cambridge and London, committed an act of professional misconduct.

Following a college assessment, Botros was ordered in May 2014 to practise under the guidance of a clinical supervisor who he would meet with at least once a week.

However, on many occasions between then and December 2015 those weekly meetings did not happen and, in the college committee’s view, Botros “took advantage of any flexibility offered.”

Although he claimed to be unable to meet with his supervisor because of an injury, Botros continued to see patients and perform sleep studies — a “flagrant breach” of his agreement with the college.

It said there were no mitigating factors in the case. “Botros did not cooperate with the investigation or admit the facts or the allegations.”

The college also took issue with Botros resigning his membership with the college on the first day of the scheduled hearing, a move that precluded the possibility of cancelling hearing dates or saving the time of witnesses.

“He has not shown any insight or remorse.”

It was noted that the current findings of professional misconduct are similar in nature to past behaviour for which Botros was cautioned and disciplined.

“It is clear that Dr. Botros has significant difficulty complying with the requirements of his regulator.”

Botros previously received three suspensions from the college.

In September 2016, he got an immediate four-month suspension of his certificate of registration following a ruling that he committed an act of professional misconduct by failing to maintain the standard of practice, and that he engaged in disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct.

Botros was also ordered to appear before the panel to be reprimanded and complete individualized instruction in medical ethics with an instructor provided by the college.

In February 2016, his registration was suspended for six months as part of the penalty for failing to complete required continuing education.

In July 2015, he was found to be incompetent by the college in another investigation and restricted from practising sleep medicine indefinitely.

The ruling said he failed to maintain the standard of practice in his care of 22 patients in his sleep medicine practice between 2007 and 2010. His registration was suspended for six months.