Teenage boy 'poses as doctor' in hospital gynaecology department for a month

17-year-old wore a white coat as he walked the corridors of a Florida hospital

GPs say medical schools are too focused on encouraging specialisms (Getty)

A teenage boy allegedly posed as a doctor in a hospital’s gynaecology department for over a month before staff realised he was not a physician.

The 17-year-old wore a white coat bearing the St. Mary’s Medical Centre in West Palm Beach as he walked the corridors, WSB-TV reports.

His deception was only spotted when he presented himself with a patient to Dr Sebastian Kent, who worked in the obstetrics and gynaecology department.

A police report states the teenager was inside the room when Dr Kent conducted an examination, the network reports.

“The first thing I thought was, ‘I am getting, I am really getting old because these young doctors look younger every year,” Dr Kent said.

Staff later contacted security, who alerted the police.

The hospital said the boy "never had contact with any hospital patients and did not gain access to any patient care areas of the hospital at any time”.

In a statement, it added: “The hospital immediately notified local authorities, who took the individual into custody, and we are cooperating with their on going investigation.”

The teenager’s mother told police her son had not been taking prescribed medication, according to WSB-TV.

No charges were filed against the teenager.