DISCIPLINE SUMMARIES
any acne on her upper back as well. Dr. Szozda did
not adequately explain his examination of Patient
A’s upper chest and back before performing it.
The inadequate explanation caused Patient A to be
alarmed.
b) During the appointment on May 21, 2013, Dr.
Szozda assessed Patient A’s need for oral contra-
ceptives, both as a matter of birth control, and to
determine the combination of therapies to treat
her acne. In doing so, Dr. Szozda inappropriately
asked Patient A if she had a boyfriend. When Pa-
tient A replied that she did not have a boyfriend,
Dr. Szozda replied “Oh really, a pretty girl like
you?” It was inappropriate of Dr. Szozda to com-
ment on Patient A’s appearance.
c) On August 8, 2014, Dr. Szozda performed a
pelvic examination on Patient A. The examina-
tion required her to be undressed from the waist
down. She was provided with a gown. During the
pelvic examination, before inserting the speculum,
Dr. Szozda made an unnecessary and inappropri-
ate comment to Patient A regarding the number
of fingers he was able to insert into her introital
opening. Patient A was upset by his comment.
d) A
fter the pelvic examination, Patient A was not
given sufficient privacy to change back into her
own clothes. Dr. Szozda remained in the examina-
tion room, with his back turned to the patient,
looking at his computer screen and typing his
chart notes into his electronic medical record.
e) A
fter Patient A was fully clothed, Dr. Szozda
briefly hugged Patient A. This was inappropriate in
the circumstances and demonstrated poor judg-
ment. The hug made Patient A uncomfortable;
f) B
etween 2014 and 2015, Patient A had an ongo-
ing problem with yeast infections. She had several
vaginal examinations by Dr. Szozda in that period.
Each time she was asked to undress from the waist
down. Dr. Szozda failed to give her sufficient pri-
vacy when putting her clothes back on. Dr. Szozda
remained in the room, looking at the computer,
which did not adequately protect the patient’s
privacy.
ORDER
The Discipline Committee ordered: a two-month
suspension on Dr. Szozda’s certificate of registration;
a reprimand; successful completion of the PROBE
course in ethics and boundaries; and payment to the
College for hearing costs in the amount of $6,000.
For complete details of the Order, please see the
full decision at www.cpso.on.ca. Select Find a Doctor
and enter the doctor’s name.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Dr. Szoda waived his
right to an appeal and the Committee administered the
public reprimand.
CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS?
WE’VE MADE IT EASIER FOR YOU TO LET US KNOW
You can change your address online. Just enter your login information and update your
information in the Members’ section of our website at www.cpso.on.ca
You can also send us a change of address form. At the back of each issue of Dialogue and on
the College’s website, a change of address form is provided. Please mail, fax, or email it to the
College. You must notify the College within 30 days of an address change. The College’s register
must contain your current mailing address, email address, and your primary practice address.
The College also uses your email address for some communications. Your email address is not
available to the public.
56
DIALOGUE ISSUE 2, 2019