Doctor banned from circumcision ops

A doctor was today barred from carrying out circumcisions for 12 months after it was found he did not provide the standard of care expected of a medical professional.

The General Medical Council (GMC) found Dr Aziz Chaudry's fitness to practise was impaired as a result of his misconduct.

The case related to the pre-operative information given to families of five patients before carrying out circumcisions on their children in August 2006 and the standard of care given during and after the procedures.

The hearing concluded Dr Chaudry, based at a private clinic in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, failed to provide adequate pre-operative information to the patients' families, and to warn them of possible complications.

The panel also found failings in: obtaining informed consent from the patients' families; communicating with their parents; notifying their GPs about the circumcisions, and inadequate record keeping.

At a hearing in central London today, the panel imposed conditions on his registration that will remain in place for 12 months.

The doctor, who was trained in Pakistan and claimed to have more than 20 years' experience, was told he cannot carry out any surgical procedures for the next 12 months, including circumcisions.

He must notify the GMC of any post he accepts for which GMC registration is required and must agree to the appointment of a "workplace reporter".

He must also work with a Director of Postgraduate General Practice Education, or nominated deputy, to make a Personal Development Plan (PDP) addressing deficiencies in areas of his practice.

Panel chairman Dr Ian Neale said they had taken into account testimonials on the doctor's behalf and all the evidence.

He said: "It is clear from this evidence that you are considered to be a diligent and caring doctor.

"The panel has borne in mind that the failings identified in this case relate to the standards of care that you provided in setting up a pilot scheme in 2006 to undertake circumcisions."

But he said the panel had seen insufficient evidence to suggest Dr Chaudry had addressed the failings.

"The panel is of the view that the failings identified in this case are capable of being remedied, though it has some concerns about your limited insight," Dr Neale said.

"However, the panel considers that there is some evidence to suggest that you have the potential to address your failings."

Dr Chaudry was told he must only work in the NHS and not undertake private practice, but the panel said he was allowed to carry out work as a clinical advisor to pharmaceutical company Pharmvit Ltd, providing the firm appointed a workplace reporter to oversee his work.

But Dr Neale said the doctor could not continue to work with his wife, a beauty therapist, giving people botox and dermal filler injections.

Other conditions imposed include having to inform the GMC of any formal disciplinary proceedings taken against him, and informing them if he applies for work outside the UK.

Dr Chaudry must also inform certain bodies about the conditions on his registration.

Before the end of the 12-month period, a GMC Fitness to Practise Panel will review the case, Dr Neale said.

"The panel wishes to stress that it is your responsibility now to take action to improve your performance.

"The GMC cannot organise this for you."