DISCIPLINE SUMMARIES
Dr. Guirguis suffers from any disorder related to
substance use or substance abuse, noting that there
were no reports of Dr. Guirguis presenting under the
influence of opioids while at work and no complaints
from patients, colleagues or coworkers.
Investigation Regarding Prescribing
The College investigated Dr. Guirguis’ conduct,
including his self-prescribing. Data from the Narcot-
ics Monitoring System (NMS) showed a total of 27
prescriptions to Dr. Guirguis from two prescribers.
One prescriber was the physician who was previously
known to the College from the initial report. The
second prescriber was another physician with whom
Dr. Guirguis shared an office. Through its investiga-
tion, the College learned that in addition to Perco-
cet, Dr. Guirguis forged prescriptions to himself
for medications such as benzodiazepines, statins and
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.
Prescribing to Family
The College also obtained NMS data regarding
prescriptions written by Dr. Guirguis between 2012
and 2016, which indicated that Dr. Guirguis wrote
prescriptions for controlled/monitored drugs for
at least three members of his family. Dr. Guirguis
billed OHIP for this treatment, but did not have any
medical records.
ORDER
The Discipline Committee ordered: a reprimand,
six-month suspension of Dr. Guirguis’ certificate of
registration; individualized instruction in ethics, two
years of urine drug screening (12 times per year);
a prohibition on issuing prescriptions for any fam-
ily members; and a requirement to keep a log of all
prescriptions for controlled drugs for one year. The
Committee also ordered Dr. Guirguis to pay the Col-
lege hearing costs of $5,500.
For complete details, please see the full decision at
www.cpso.on.ca. Select Find a Doctor and enter the
doctor’s name.
50
DIALOGUE ISSUE 1, 2019
DR. GERRY ADRIANES HEYMANS
PRACTICE LOCATION: Russell
AREA OF PRACTICE: Family Medicine
HEARING INFORMATION: Admission; Agreed State-
ment of Facts; Joint Submission on Penalty
On October 12, 2018, the Discipline Committee
found that Dr. Heymans committed an act of profes-
sional misconduct, in that he has engaged in con-
duct 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 dis-
graceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.
Dr. Heymans practised family medicine in Russell
and held hospital privileges at the Winchester Me-
morial Hospital. He resigned those hospital privileges
on October 5, 2018.
On February 11, 2015, Patient A arrived by ambu-
lance at the Winchester Memorial Hospital’s Emer-
gency Department. Dr. Heymans was assigned as the
most responsible physician (MRP) for Patient A’s ad-
mission. During his initial patient encounter, while
standing and speaking to Patient A, he fell asleep. A
short time later he woke up and continued talking
to the patient. He then went over to Patient A and
sat on the side of her bed and spoke to her about
her medical history. He appeared to fall asleep again.
Dr. Heymans then examined Patient A. He admitted
that prior to proceeding with a breast examination he
did not: a) explain what he was doing; b) explain the
steps involved; c) ascertain whether Patient A was
comfortable with the steps involved; and d) ascertain
whether Patient A consented to the examination.
Dr. Heymans had been subject to a written caution
in 2012 involving patient boundaries concerns.
ORDER
The Discipline Committee ordered: a three-month
suspension of Dr. Heymans’ certificate of registra-
tion; a reprimand and the imposition of specific
terms, conditions and limitations on Dr. Heymans’
certificate of registration.
Dr. Heymans was also ordered to pay the College
hearing costs in the amount of $6,000.
The terms, conditions and limitations include