http://www.todayonline.com/Hotnews/EDC120725-0000161/Psychiatrist-suspended-over-sexual-relations-with-patient
Dr Kong Sim Guan, a psychiatrist at The Psychiatric & Behavioural Medicine Clinic (Ang & Kong), faced one charge of professional misconduct arising from a complaint to the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) on March 23, 2010.
"The fact that Dr Kong had a sexual relationship with the patient for at least 10 years between 1997 to about 2008 was never denied," said the SMC in a statement today.
Dr Kong, 63, contested the charge on the basis that the relationship only started after the doctor-patient relationship had ended.
According to the published grounds of decision, Dr Kong claimed that the sexual relationship only started after June 5, 1997, when the patient "seduced" him.
Dr Kong, whose suspension took effect on June 24, also contended that he was treating a family member by likening the patient to a mistress, who would be recognised as a "de facto wife" in "many countries".
Dr Kong further claimed that the patient had a "borderline personality" and was out to trap him from January 2007.
The disciplinary committee, however, said that regardless of whether one treats a family member or complete stranger, "the fact remains that the doctor is providing treatment as a doctor", said the SMC.
The committee also considered the patient as "vulnerable" as she started out seeking psychiatric help.
"As her psychiatrist, Dr Kong should have been more than aware that his sexual relationship with her can only be interpreted as taking advantage of her troubled state and vulnerability, let alone exacerbating and complicating her marital problems," said the SMC.
Dr Kong was also fined S$10,000 and has to bear the costs and expenses of the inquiry.
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