Case of Stanley Dobrowolski, MD
Psychiatrist - London, Ontario, Canada
Former Student Health Doctor - University of Western Ontario, London ON, Canada
Former Student Health Doctor - University of Western Ontario, London ON, Canada
Dobrowolski was stripped of his licence for three months in 1995 and reprimanded in 1996 by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. The rulings followed complaints by students Dobrowolski counselled when he worked at the University of Western Ontario's Student Health Services in the late 80s and early 90s. The outstanding complaints also date back to that time.
Accused of making secret video-recordings of female patients while they underwent physical examinations.
The London Police Service is continuing the investigation into allegations against a London psychiatrist, Stanley Dobrowolski.
On November 6, 2012, members of the London Police Service (LPS) arrested and charged Stanley Dobrowolski with one count each of sexual assault and voyeurism.
On January 24, 2013, the LPS notified the media that we had executed a search warrant at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and that we were examining computers and various electronic storage devices that had been seized from his office located at 47 Victoria Street in London, Ontario. In that media release, we said we had identified seven additional incidents during which it is alleged that Stanley Dobrowolski video-recorded women without their knowledge during physical examinations conducted at his office. Those offences were alleged to have occurred from 2007 to October of 2012. At that time, we said we were attempting to identify these women.
To date, our investigation has determined that more women were video-recorded without their consent. While a number of those women have been identified and interviewed, 34 women have not yet been identified.
Investigators are hoping to identify the remaining 34 women. We would like to speak with any women who were patients of Stanley Dobrowolski between 2007 and 2012. These women may feel impacted by this investigation and may require assistance or support. The LPS wants to assure those that consider coming forward that their case will be handled sensitively. These women are able to speak to the police to obtain information or to access support. Support is also available through Sexual Assault Centre London at 519-438-2272.
Former patients should contact the London Police Service project personnel at (519) 660-5842 or online atproject@police.london.ca if they have any information that will further this investigation.
On November 6, 2012, members of the London Police Service (LPS) arrested and charged Stanley Dobrowolski with one count each of sexual assault and voyeurism.
On January 24, 2013, the LPS notified the media that we had executed a search warrant at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and that we were examining computers and various electronic storage devices that had been seized from his office located at 47 Victoria Street in London, Ontario. In that media release, we said we had identified seven additional incidents during which it is alleged that Stanley Dobrowolski video-recorded women without their knowledge during physical examinations conducted at his office. Those offences were alleged to have occurred from 2007 to October of 2012. At that time, we said we were attempting to identify these women.
To date, our investigation has determined that more women were video-recorded without their consent. While a number of those women have been identified and interviewed, 34 women have not yet been identified.
Investigators are hoping to identify the remaining 34 women. We would like to speak with any women who were patients of Stanley Dobrowolski between 2007 and 2012. These women may feel impacted by this investigation and may require assistance or support. The LPS wants to assure those that consider coming forward that their case will be handled sensitively. These women are able to speak to the police to obtain information or to access support. Support is also available through Sexual Assault Centre London at 519-438-2272.
Former patients should contact the London Police Service project personnel at (519) 660-5842 or online atproject@police.london.ca if they have any information that will further this investigation.
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Table of Contents:
Table of Contents:
1997
2001
- Doctor reprimanded by college still practising (03/31/1997)
2001
- How system helps shield bad doctors How system helps shield bad doctors College admits flaws in process (05/05/2001)
- Psychiatrist again faces charges; 'Disturbing and troubling pattern' 3 women charge indiscretion (07/07/2004)
- Psychiatrist admits fourth sexual offence (07/07/2004)
- Doctor pleads guilty to more than bad poetry (07/07/2004)
- Psychiatrist's advice was odd, patient say (07/08/2004)
- College failed to prove misconduct, psychiatrist's lawyer says (07/08/2004)
- Misconduct has not been proven, Toronto psychiatrist's lawyer says (07/08/2004)
- We know what Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski did, But when did he do it? (07/12/2004)
- 'Serious penalty' urged in sex case (07/14/2004)
- MD claims 'credit' for past sex suspension: Sentencing hearing (07/14/2004)
- Betrayed, emotionally scarred, psychiatrist's victim says: Sexual impropriety (07/15/2004)
- Psychiatrist's sex victim felt 'betrayed': Left emotionally scarred (07/15/2004)
- Ontario MD's licence suspended (12/04/2004)
- Father on trial for assault of daughter, 4, claims a missing junkie is the culprit MD's licence suspended for misconduct (12/04/2004)
2012
- Ontario doctor facing disciplinary hearing after alleged sexual touching of a female patient (10/31/2012)
- London Police Service - Stanley Dobrowolski (11/06/2012)
- London Psychiatrist Charged With Sexual Assault (11/06/2012)
- London psychiatrist Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski granted bail in sex assault case (11/07/2012)
- London Psychiatrist Released on Bail (11/08/2012)
2013
- Psychiatrist Case Back in Court (01/08/2013)
- Dobrowolski; Back in Court February 5th (01/09/2013)
- Disturbing videos of women found on psychiatrist's computer: Cops (01/24/2013)
- New Court Date for London Psychiatrist (02/05/2013)
- Police seek dozens of women allegedly videotaped by London psychiatrist Stanley Dobrowolski (03/05/2013)
- Police Search For Psychiatrist's Patients (03/05/2013)
- Ontario psychiatrist faces 40 new charges linked to alleged abuse (04/15/2013)
- Disgraced London psychiatrist is now facing 40 new charges including sexual
- assault, voyeurism and child pornography (04/16/2013)
- Psychiatrist’s Case Adjourned (05/21/2013)
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Doctor reprimanded by college still practising
The Online Reporter - March 31, 1997
By Helen Fallding
A London psychiatrist twice disciplined by his peers continues to see patients, despite facing further charges.
Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski, 50, is charged with misconduct of a sexual nature, failure to maintain the standard of practice of his profession, failure to maintain required records, incompetence and conduct that is disgraceful, dishonorable or unprofessional. A hearing scheduled for March 18 was cancelled and no new date has been set.
Dobrowolski was stripped of his licence for three months in 1995 and reprimanded in 1996 by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. The rulings followed complaints by students Dobrowolski counselled when he worked at the University of Western Ontario's Student Health Services in the late 80s and early 90s. The outstanding complaints also date back to that time.
Dobrowolski resigned from Student Health Services in 1994 and now works out of an office in the basement of the large Victoria Street home he shares with his wife, schoolteacher Margaret Bucci, and their children. The with his wife, schoolteacher Margaret Bucci, and their children. The psychiatrist confirmed that "of course" he is practising, but he did not want to be Photo by Helen Fallding interviewed. Dobrowolski sees patients at his Victoria Street home Two women whose complaints were to be heard in March say the hearing was cancelled because the college is considering a proposal for resolution from Dobrowolski's lawyer.
If the college accepts the proposal, the women will not testify or give victim impact statements. "It cuts the witnesses out and he doesn't have to deal with us; he doesn't have to hear our stories," said one complainant.
The college has the power to suspend a doctor's licence pending a discipline hearing if the physician is considered likely to harm patients. The executive committee suspended Dobrowolski's licence prior to his first hearing, but has not done so in anticipation of the upcoming hearing.
The complainants worry that Dobrowolski's patients might not know his history. "I can't imagine that people are going to be asking to see his record before they take him on as a therapist -- unless they've been through something like this before," said one woman.
Potential patients can get information about a doctor's discipline record and pending hearings from a toll-free inquiry service run by the college. However, a woman staffing the line said few people call about doctors' records.
Dobrowolski admitted having a sexual relationship in 1988 with a 22-year-old female student who saw him after a suicide attempt. He was found not guilty of sexual impropriety because the college's discipline panel decided the relationship did not begin until after the young woman stopped being a patient. However, the panel ruled Dobrowolski's behavior "disgraceful, dishonorable or unprofessional" and also found him guilty of failing to maintain the standard of practice of his profession and failing to maintain required records. Dobrowolski's 12-month licence suspension was reduced to three months when he agreed to see a psychiatrist once a month and be supervised for the remainder of the year.
Under college guidelines adopted in 1992, psychiatrists are now prohibited from having sexual relationships even with former patients. Dobrowolski was disciplined under the previous policy, which did not define sexual abuse.
Last summer, Dobrowolski was reprimanded after being found guilty of professional misconduct for inappropriately demonstrating breast self-examination on a patient he counselled at the university. He was allowed to retain his licence with no restrictions.
Another young woman filed a formal sexual harassment complaint to the university in 1989, after Dobrowolski treated her for depression. The complaint was dropped when the woman refused to agree to the release of her medical records. She later filed a civil suit against both Dobrowolski and the university. The suit was settled out of court in 1995, for an undisclosed sum.
The college will not say how many complaints against Dobrowolski have yet to be resolved. The two women interviewed filed their complaints over two years ago and are frustrated with how long the college is taking to deal with them. Jill Hefley, manager of communications for the college, said that kind of delay is not unusual. There are no specific plans to speed up the process, but she said, "We're doing our best to try and not refer things to discipline that can be resolved in other ways."
One complainant, who cannot afford her own lawyer, has yet to see Dobrowolski's proposal in writing. "The college doesn't seem at all interested in my opinion. It's very unsatisfying."
The second complainant feels the college has been a bit more responsive since she hired her own lawyer a few months ago. She has read the proposal from Dobrowolski's lawyer and submitted a written response to the college. "They made it clear that my opinion would not be the deciding factor." The complainant does not want to reveal details of the proposal without consulting her lawyer.
Hefley says she cannot comment on the complainants' concerns because the case is ongoing. Despite stricter rules on sexual abuse following a 1991 task force report, suggestions that the college protects its own are still common. Sharon Danley, who co- facilitates the Survivors of Medical Abuse group in Toronto, believes the college accepts plea bargains from doctors to save money -- hearings cost over $17,000 a day -- and to avoid publicity. "When they let complainants have their voice, the media get involved and they get bad press, which the college doesn't need."
Danley, who was sexually abused by a doctor herself, has been offered financial compensation by the college to pay for counselling. But she refuses to have anything to do with psychiatrists and is fighting for the right to do what she wants with the money. "They're taking their money out of pocket A and putting it into pocket B without changing trousers."
She's equally unimpressed with the practice of sending abusive doctors to psychiatrists for treatment. "Send the offenders to a forum of survivors."
Danley believes the current system of self-regulation for health professionals is not working and should be abandoned. She wants to see discipline handled by an independent body that includes survivors of abuse as well as representatives from all health professions.
Ontario's Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council is about to begin an evaluation of the complaints process for sexual abuse at each professional college. Groups such as Danley's will be consulted and the report should be ready by the end of 1998.
The researchers will assess whether procedures established under a 1993 law have addressed concerns raised by the earlier task force. "Has it resulted in physicians and other health professionals who are sexually abusing being identified and removed from practice?" asks Christie Jefferson, council chair.
If the process needs to be improved, Jefferson says the council will make recommendations to the Minister of Health, possibly including proposed amendments to the law.
While she can't anticipate the outcome of the evaluation, Jefferson believes it is necessary. "We certainly get lots of calls from members of the public who have concerns."
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How system helps shield bad doctors How system helps shield bad doctors College admits flaws in process
By Robert Cribb, Rita Dayland and Laurie Monsebraaten
Toronto Star - May 5, 2001
How system helps shield bad doctors How system helps shield bad doctors College admits flaws in process
By Robert Cribb, Rita Dayland and Laurie Monsebraaten
Toronto Star - May 5, 2001
Of 13,000 complaints lodged against doctors,
99 per cent were either dismissed or handled in secret by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
'(Laws) felt the disciplinary decision was fair and he didn't have any complaint about the process.'
You've just been diagnosed with cancer. You're scheduled for surgery in a few weeks by a doctor you hardly know.
In Ontario and across Canada provincial laws governing doctors say you can't find out if your surgeon has been hauled before the physicians' watchdog for complaints of malpractice, even for the exact operation you're facing. You aren't told if the surgeon is under investigation now, or has a spotless record.
The medical complaints system is cloaked in secrecy.
Since discipline procedures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario can take three years, some dangerous doctors continue practising without patients knowing there may be a risk.
In the last six years, the college investigated 13,000 complaints about doctors. Of those, 99 per cent were either dismissed outright or handled internally and in secret.
We can learn nothing about them. The college, which says it is bound by privacy provisions in the Regulated Health Professions Act, will not reveal the names of the doctors involved, how many had complaints against them, the nature of the complaints or how they were handled.
The only window into a doctor's competence, integrity and past professional conduct is a public disciplinary hearing conducted by the college.
A Toronto Star investigation shows that since 1994, when new legislation governing doctors came into effect, only 141 complaints have reached this stage.
Data on those cases, compiled by The Star using the college's public records, reveal a disciplinary system that typically hands out lenient penalties, rarely revokes licences, can take years to render decisions and puts doctors on higher legal footing than complainants.
The Star's data show that 111 doctors have been found guilty of offences ranging from fraud, drugging and sexually assaulting patients and missed diagnoses, some causing death. Of those, 34 received the college's maximum penalty licence revocation.
The majority of sanctions handed out were suspensions averaging less than three months or reprimands, usually with some conditions, such as cash fines, additional training or letters of apology.
Ontario's college took an average of three years to reach those decisions tied with Manitoba as the slowest medical disciplinary system in Canada.
The overwhelming majority of Ontario's 20,480 practising doctors- skilled professionals dedicated to meeting the highest standards of care has never been the subject of a college disciplinary hearing. They may face a minor complaint or two over the years but for the most part their records are clean.
But some physicians who have done great harm are allowed to continue practising.
Dr. Kenneth Bradley, a former Milton chief surgeon, was twice was found guilty of medical negligence involving patients who died. Still, Bradley kept his licence and later moved to Virginia, where he was implicated in another four deaths.
Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski, a London, Ont., psychiatrist, was disciplined three times for sexually related offences. He is still treating patients.
Dr. Anthony Laws, who practises in Oakville, falsified documents to cover up his role in the death of a 14-year-old patient under his care.
People who feel they have been harmed by a physician can seek damages through the courts. But the self-governing College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario is the only authority that can suspend or revoke a doctor's licence.
The Ontario Medical Association, which speaks for the province's doctors, believes the college is doing an "exemplary job" of protecting the public and guiding the profession.
Dr. Alex Schumacher, the OMA's immediate past president, says the low discipline rate is a reflection of the province's high licensing standards compared to other jurisdictions.
But the college itself acknowledges the system should be more open and must resolve patient complaints more quickly.
"We have to act before the public loses confidence," says college president Dr. Rocco Gerace.
And that means getting tougher on dangerous doctors, say some college members.
"Clearly there has been less than effective identification of those (doctors) who have serious problems that need addressing," says Dr. David Walker, dean of health sciences at Queen's University and co-chair of the college's complaints committee.
Last year in Ontario, 21 doctors had their licences revoked or suspended.
During the same period, Michigan, with a similar number of physicians, suspended or revoked the licences of 102 doctors. In Massachusetts, another comparable jurisdiction, it was 45.
In Ontario and elsewhere, most doctors can keep practising while they are being investigated. But in a growing number of states, information about doctors under investigation is posted on Web sites for anyone to see.
Gerace doesn't think the American focus on discipline gets to the heart of the matter.
"Their measure of success is their percentage of discipline referrals. I would suggest to you that a discipline referral is a failure.
"We have to balance the will of the public for revenge an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth versus what's best for the public interest, which is having doctors deliver better care. Do we need to have a few examples out there? Just beat someone up?"
Gerace says that while U.S. jurisdictions rely solely on discipline, Ontario has developed unique programs to assess and retrain doctors whose skills are lacking.
The philosophy reflects the college's belief that most doctors who have made clinical mistakes are anxious to improve and will become better doctors through education rather than punishment.
But according to a recent government report about the discipline process, there is no system in place to ensure this approach is actually working.
The government-commissioned report expressed concerns that the quality assurance program "may not be the appropriate response" for patient complaints about doctors.
And since the process is handled entirely behind closed doors, there's no way patients or the public can judge whether their complaint was handled adequately.
That secrecy is only lifted when complaints trigger disciplinary hearings.
In the past six years, the majority of those hearings 77 out of 141 concerned sexual misconduct, followed by cases involving patient deaths (19), and psychological harm inflicted by doctors (10).
Other offences that went to disciplinary hearings included fraud, physical injuries and faulty record keeping.
The focus on sex-related cases reflects the college's zero- tolerance policy, adopted in 1994 following a provincial government task force that estimated 10 per cent of Ontario doctors had sexually abused a patient at some time.
The Star data show that 25 of the 61 doctors found guilty of sex- related complaints had their licences revoked, 24 received suspensions averaging 3 1/2 months, 10 received reprimands and two quit their practices.
Zero tolerance covers anything from inappropriate touching to consensual intercourse to rape. The Ontario Medical Association is currently challenging this policy before the courts as a Charter of Rights and Freedoms issue.
The Star data shows that in at least four cases, physicians allowed to continue practising went on to repeat the same offence.
Dobrowolski, the psychiatrist from London, Ont., is a prime example.
He has appeared before the college three times since 1994 on complaints ranging from hugging, kissing, fondling and sexual intercourse with patients.
At his second appearance, in 1996, the panel concluded Dobrowolski demonstrated "an extremely worrisome pattern of behaviour."
Dobrowolski received a short suspension and two reprimands but never lost his licence. He continues to treat patients in London.
"It (the disciplinary system) is such an unpleasant process from the point of view of a physician that even just talking about it brings back bad memories," he said, when contacted by The Star. "You try and put it behind you and get on with life."
Many doctors see the college as an adversary that often dishes out unwarranted punishment.
Of the 19 cases of death under physician care that reached the disciplinary committee since 1994, no fault was found in five.
In the other 14 deaths since 1994, the college did lay blame on substandard care. Three of the 14 doctors had their licences revoked, while the rest were handed reprimands or given short licence suspensions.
On Aug. 20, 1993, Tom and Patricia Bain buried their only son, 14- year-old Jonathan. At the time, the Mississauga couple were told his death was caused by a viral infection.
The family contends that tests later revealed prescribed drugs caused the teenager's death. They complained to the college that Oakville physician Anthony Laws covered it up.
Throughout the process, Laws continued to practise with a clean record.
College documents show Laws first prescribed the drug Cylert, which has been linked to liver problems, to treat Jonathan's Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in 1992.
In July, 1993, the boy was admitted to hospital with severe liver problems. He died after undergoing two liver transplants.
Following the teen's death, tissue tests revealed Cylert was the cause of Jonathan's liver failure, according to the family.
The Bains complained to the college that Laws "never told us of the risk in advance, he never monitored our son when he was on the drug, he never ordered blood tests despite the risks."
The Bains are upset that Laws prescribed Ritalin, another ADD drug, along with Cylert.
"He was experimenting with our son," Tom Bain told The Star.
But at the hearing, medical competence wasn't the focus. The panel was more concerned about Laws' conduct after Jonathan's death, ruling that he falsified letters to the Bains' family doctor and entries in Jonathan's chart and failed to warn them about the risks of liver failure.
"Our complaint was never dealt with because our complaint was never for forgery, falsification or perjury," Bain says. "It was for the medical aspect."
In June, 1999, Laws was found guilty of professional misconduct and handed a six-month suspension, reduced to three for meeting conditions such as seeking psychiatric treatment and upgrading his skills.
"He should have been revoked," says Bain. "The system failed us."
Tom Curry, the Toronto lawyer representing Laws, said his client "felt the disciplinary decision was fair and he didn't have any complaint about the process."
Like all complainants, the Bains had no official standing before the college, acting merely as witnesses in the case.
College lawyers, much like crown attorneys, act on behalf of the system, not the individual. Complainants cannot call witnesses or ask questions.
If complainants want their own legal advice, they must pay for it themselves.
On the other side of the room, money is no object for doctors. The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA), which represents more than 90 per cent of doctors in Ontario, picks up the tab for top legal representation.
Doctors, in turn, are reimbursed with public money for most of the insurance premiums they pay. This year, it is expected the province will pay just under $70 million out of total malpractice premiums of about $100 million.
"I've walked out of college hearings thinking physicians are protected far more than they deserve," says Toronto lawyer Barry Swadron, who has represented several clients in complaints against physicians.
"Doctors stick together. If a fight is involved, the odds against the victim are astronomical."
College president Gerace dismisses the claims of a power imbalance between doctors and complainants, saying the system is designed to protect the public interest.
"The analogy is the criminal system. If someone gets drunk and kills my child, I want to be a party to that but I'm not. The prosecutor is there to protect the public interest," he says.
"We're there to ensure that either a physician is found to be okay or is found to be wanting and that the correct steps are taken."
Psychiatrist again faces charges; 'Disturbing and troubling pattern' 3 women charge indiscretion
By Robert Cribb
Toronto Star - July 7, 2004
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Psychiatrist again faces charges; 'Disturbing and troubling pattern' 3 women charge indiscretion
By Robert Cribb
Toronto Star - July 7, 2004
For the fourth time in a decade, Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski sat before a medical disciplinary panel yesterday facing the latest in a "pattern" of sex-related charges involving female patients.
As in his previous three hearings before the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario - in 1994, 1995 and 1999 - the London, Ont., psychiatrist is facing allegations of "disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct" related to his treatment of university-aged women from the late 1980s until the late 1990s.
In the three previous cases involving nine different complainants, the college found Dobrowolski guilty of some charges of misconduct or sexual impropriety.
At Dobrowolski's 1995 hearing, the disciplinary panel concluded he demonstrated "an extremely worrisome pattern of behaviour." In 1999, the panel again noted a "pattern of indiscretion."
But despite reprimands, temporary conditions on his practice and a three-month suspension of his licence in 1994, the 57-year-old husband and father of three has continued to treat patients in London.
Yesterday, the college began hearing claims from three new female complainants who allege a similar pattern of sexual improprieties by Dobrowolski, including inappropriate touching, hugging, kissing, physical examinations and sexual questioning.
The women's names are protected by a publication ban.
An agreed statement of facts concerning the first woman detailed how treatment sessions in the late 1980s and early '90s transformed into a personal relationship that included letter writing of a sexual and romantic nature, hugging, kissing and a hotel rendezvous.
During many sessions in his dimly lit office at the University of Western Ontario, Dobrowolski would "stroke her hair," "hold her hand" and share personal details about his life, said college lawyer Andrew Pinto.
In one of many letters between the two after the woman moved from London to Halifax, Dobrowolski wrote, "I am as close as your next loving thought."
In September, 1992, the two agreed to meet in an Ottawa hotel, where he fondled her breasts, but they did not have sex, the statement read.
"He is supposed to talk to his female patients, not touch them," Pinto said, adding that Dobrowolski's conduct shows a "disturbing and troubling pattern" that warrants revocation of his medical licence.
At one point, Dobrowolski's lawyer, David Hamer, called Pinto's opening remarks "inflammatory and inappropriate."
The second and third complainants in the current case are sisters who first sought treatment from Dobrowolski while they were university students in London in the late '90s.
In testimony, one of the sisters described how Dobrowolski gave her a full-body mole check while she stood in his office wearing nothing but panties, a process that she said made her feel "very uncomfortable."
She said Dobrowolski hugged her on three or four occasions, conducted physical examinations and asked her if she masturbated. She said she found the question "intimidating."
The hearing continues today.
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Psychiatrist admits fourth sexual offence
The Ottawa Citizen - July 7, 2004
A psychiatrist with a history of sexual impropriety as a student health counsellor at the University of Western Ontario pleaded guilty a fourth time yesterday, this time to writing love letters to a former patient and meeting her for a weekend tryst in an Ottawa hotel. Stanley Dobrowolski, 57, sat holding his wife's hand as details of the affair, including his love poems, were read out to a disciplinary panel of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. The hearing continues today.
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Doctor pleads guilty to more than bad poetry
By Joseph Brean
National Post - July 7, 2004
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By Joseph Brean
National Post - July 7, 2004
'Unprofessional' tryst with former student patient
TORONTO - A psychiatrist with a history of sexual impropriety as a student health counsellor at the University of Western Ontario pleaded guilty yesterday to writing love letters to a former patient and meeting her for a weekend tryst in an Ottawa hotel.
Stanley Dobrowolski, a squat, bearded 57-year-old, sat holding his wife's hand as details of the affair, including his love poems, were read out to a discipline panel of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
In this, his fourth discipline hearing in less than 10 years, he is charged under the college's catch-all accusation of "disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional" conduct, which is alleged to have occurred between 1989 and 1999.
Three women, two of whom he first treated at the UWO's student health centre, have accused him of making sexual comments and touching them inappropriately during unnecessary physical exams. Their names are protected by a standard publication ban.
Only one, a former UWO graduate student, alleges sexual contact with the doctor, which took place after their therapy was discontinued.
In an agreed statement of facts, Dr. Dobrowolski admits to spending one night with her in an Ottawa hotel in the fall of 1992, during which they lay in the same bed, kissed, fondled each other's chests, and chatted until the early morning before going to sleep in separate beds. The next day, they went antique shopping in the Byward Market, then sat and kissed on a grassy hill.
Andrew Pinto, the college prosecutor, said in his opening statement the encounter was the end result of "a voluminous and torrid correspondence of a romantic and sexual nature," which the patient initiated after she moved away from London, Ont.
He read out examples, including the doctor's analysis of the movie Moonstruck as a study in why older men like younger women ("because they are afraid of death," the doctor wrote) and a poem he wrote that reads, in part: "No other soul may say how we shall love or play ... No other soul may tell if love is ill or well."
"He is supposed to talk to his female patients, not touch them or take advantage of them," Mr. Pinto said, quipping that Dr. Dobrowolski's name should be spelled "Trouble with a capital T."
David Hamer, the defence lawyer, called that remark, and the prosecutor's repeated use of superlatives to describe the alleged improprieties, "inflammatory and improper."
The doctor denied the accusations of the other two complainants, one of whom testified yesterday. She claimed he pried into her sexual life during their psychotherapy sessions, and once said he found her attractive.
This woman, a 33-year-old grade-school teacher who was his patient intermittently from her days at Western in the late 1980s until about 2001, also alleges Dr. Dobrowolski pressured her into a full body mole check, while she was wearing only briefs.
"I said OK. ... I definitely had intuition I shouldn't do it," she testified.
"I was essentially too chicken to say I changed my mind.
"He just kind of circled around my body with the instrument [a microscope]," and he did not make any notes, she said. "I felt like it was taking forever."
She also testified that he had installed a video camera in his office, but she did not believe it was ever recording.
In 1994, when the first of Dr. Dobrowolski's discipline hearings began, he discontinued his practice at the student health centre and moved it to a basement office in his family's home in London.
Although there was significant carry-over of patients, his practice has since come to focus on middle-aged men, many of Polish descent, who appreciate his ability to speak their native language.
His previous convictions -- involving six women, and dated 1996, 2000 and 2001 -- are for behaviour similar to the current allegations.
The first dealt with his sexual affair with a 22-year-old UWO student whom he counselled for about six months in 1987. He continued writing to her afterward, and over the next year they remained in weekly contact and had sex four times: in an Ottawa hotel, at his cottage, in his home and in another house he owned.
In the end, the panel decided the woman was not still his patient during this affair, and so his behaviour did not constitute sexual impropriety, even though it was "disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional."
His licence was suspended for one year, nine months of which was forgiven provided he undergo psychiatric supervision.
This ruling was made before the college adopted its "zero- tolerance" approach to sexual abuse, and its current guidelines on doctor-patient dating, which prohibit it during treatment and for a year afterward.
In the case of psychotherapy, the current guideline is to never socialize. At the time of the ruling, there were no guidelines.
In 2000, four more women complained that he had made inappropriate comments about their bodies or their sexuality, hugged or kissed them, and pressured them into unnecessary physical examinations, but he was found guilty on only one charge. He was ordered to take a gender-sensitivity course, and his practice was monitored, but his licence was not suspended.
The next year, faced with four different women with similar complaints, Dr. Dobrowolski pleaded guilty to unprofessional conduct. He was reprimanded by the college, which noted his "generalized pattern of indiscretion with respect to the setting of boundaries."
These three new complaints were filed at roughly the same time as that decision.
The hearing continues today.
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Psychiatrist's advice was odd, patient say
By Robert Cribb
Toronto Star - July 8, 2004
Psychiatrist's advice was odd, patient say
By Robert Cribb
Toronto Star - July 8, 2004
When a female patient of psychiatrist Stanley Dobrowolski raised fears during treatment that her boyfriend might cheat on her, the doctor's advice left her shocked.
"The doctor said that all men cheat," the woman testified yesterday in a disciplinary hearing held by the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons into sexually related misconduct charges against Dobrowolski.
"I was stunned, I guess. It wasn't the reaction that I thought I'd hear," she said.
The former patient says that during eight appointments with Dobrowolski in the late 1990s and 2001, the psychiatrist gave her unusual advice, conducted physical examinations and commented about her weight.
The woman is one of three female complainants who lodged complaints against Dobrowolski after seeking treatment from him between 1989 and 2001. None of the woman can be named due to a publication ban.
These are the latest in a string of misconduct charges against Dobrowolski for sexual improprieties involving nine complainants which have triggered three previous disciplinary hearings and findings of guilt.
On Tuesday, Dobrowolski pleaded guilty to charges by one of the three new complainants. They included hugging, kissing and spending the night with her in a hotel room.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges by the other complainants two sisters from London who allege the psychiatrist made inappropriate comments, conducted unnecessary physical examinations and hugged them several times.
The sister who testified yesterday said she originally went to Dobrowolski in 1997 seeking a blood test to determine whether she had HIV. But the treatments expanded as she raised concerns about her relationship with her then boyfriend.
"(My boyfriend) was a virgin when he met me," she said. "I was concerned that he was going to cheat on me."
The woman, who is now 25, also testified that Dobrowolski prescribed medication and performed physical examinations, including taking her blood pressure, monitoring her heartbeat and asking her to extend her arms outward.
Dobrowolski's disciplinary hearing is his fourth in a decade.
Closing arguments are scheduled for today.
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College failed to prove misconduct, psychiatrist's lawyer says
By Joseph Brean
National Post - July 8, 2004
Presents no evidence: Toronto doctor accused of professional wrongdoing
TORONTO - A lawyer for Stanley Dobrowolski decided not to present any evidence in the psychiatrist's defence yesterday, claiming the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has failed to prove its charges of professional misconduct with two young sisters.
With final arguments to be presented this morning, then, the only evidence against the doctor is the brief testimony of the two women, plus their medical records, none of which the defence team considers damning enough to deserve a rebuttal.
Defence lawyer David Hamer even declined to cross-examine the sisters, whose accusations of inappropriate physical examinations and off-colour sexual comments now form the only matters of fact on which the college's four-member discipline panel will have to render a decision.
The elder sister, in her early 30s, has testified that Dr. Dobrowolski once lectured her about skin cancer, then pressured her into a full-body mole check while she was clad only in briefs. She also claimed he hugged her occasionally at the end of their therapy sessions, pried into her sex life and once told her he found her attractive.
The other, in her early 20s, who started seeing Dr. Dobrowolski on her sister's advice, said she came to him with a severe but "irrational" fear of sexually transmitted diseases, which he eased by arranging blood tests.
She said she became uncomfortable when he conducted physical examinations: taking her blood pressure, checking her heart rate, and one unexplained test in which he allegedly asked her to hold her arms out straight from her body.
She also objected to comments he made about her boyfriend, when she explained her fear that he would be unfaithful.
She testified that he told her: "All men cheat."
"I was stunned, I guess" she said. "It wasn't the reaction I thought I would hear."
Neither woman can be identified due to a standard publication ban.
The doctor has already pleaded guilty to one charge relating to another woman, a former patient from his days as a student health psychiatrist at the University of Western Ontario.
In an agreed statement of facts, he admits writing her love letters and poems after their therapy ended in the early 1990s, and once meeting her for a weekend affair -- involving physical intimacy but not intercourse -- in an Ottawa hotel.
This occured before the college formally barred doctors from dating their former patients, and so, in sentencing, he will not automatically be held to the current standard.
The current charges against him are similar to those filed over the last decade by nine other women, many of whom were students at Western, which resulted in three previous discipline hearings.
None led to punishment more severe than a three-month suspension of his licence, and most were settled with reprimands or orders that his practice be monitored.
He stopped working at the university in 1994, when the first complaint was filed.
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Misconduct has not been proven, Toronto psychiatrist's lawyer says
By Joseph Brean
National Post - July 8, 2004
Accused by women of improper exams
TORONTO - A lawyer for Stanley Dobrowolski decided not to present any evidence in the psychiatrist's defence yesterday, claiming the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has failed to prove its charges of professional misconduct with two young sisters.
With final arguments to be presented this morning, then, the only evidence against the doctor is the brief testimony of the two women, plus their medical records, none of which the defence team considers damning enough to deserve a rebuttal.
Defence lawyer David Hamer even declined to cross-examine the sisters, whose accusations of inappropriate physical examinations and off-colour sexual comments now form the only matters of fact on which the college's four-member discipline panel will have to render a decision.
The elder sister, in her early thirties, has testified that Dr. Dobrowolski once lectured her about skin cancer, then pressured her into a full-body mole check while she was clad only in briefs. She also claimed he hugged her occasionally at the end of their therapy sessions, pried into her sex life and once told her he found her attractive.
The other, in her early twenties, who started seeing Dr. Dobrowolski on her sister's advice, said she came to him with a severe but "irrational" fear of sexually transmitted diseases, which he eased by arranging blood tests.
She said she became uncomfortable when he conducted physical examinations: taking her blood pressure, checking her heart rate, and one unexplained test in which he allegedly asked her to hold her arms out straight from her body.
She also objected to comments he made about her boyfriend, when she explained her fear that he would be unfaithful.
She testified he told her: "All men cheat."
"I was stunned, I guess" she said. "It wasn't the reaction I thought I would hear."
Neither woman can be identified due to a publication ban.
The doctor has already pleaded guilty to one charge relating to another woman, a former patient from his days as a student health psychiatrist at the University of Western Ontario.
In an agreed statement of facts, he admits writing her love letters and poems after their therapy ended in the early 1990s, and once meeting her for a weekend affair -- involving physical intimacy but not intercourse -- in an Ottawa hotel.
This occurred before the college formally barred doctors from dating their former patients, and so, in sentencing, he will not automatically be held to the current standard.
The current charges against him are similar to those filed over the past decade by nine other women, many of whom were students at Western, which resulted in three previous discipline hearings.
None led to punishment more severe than a three-month suspension of his licence, and most were settled with reprimands or orders that his practice be monitored.
He stopped working at the university in 1994, when the first complaint was filed.
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We know what Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski did, But when did he do it?
By Arthur Weinreb
Canada Free Press - July 12, 2004
On July 8, London Ontario psychiatrist, Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski was found not guilty of two offences involving two sisters before a disciplinary panel of the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons. All allegations against Dr. Dobrowolski involved improper conduct with female patients.
Earlier in the disciplinary hearing, the doctor pleaded guilty to a further count of improper conduct that involved spending the night with a patient in an Ottawa hotel. The penalty for that disciplinary offence will be imposed by the College this week.
Dr. Dobrowolski has been the subject of three previous hearings since 1994 and prior to his latest guilty plea, he has been found guilty of nine of other offences--all involving female patients or former patients. At the time of this writing the doctor is still licensed to practice medicine in the province of Ontario.
Dr. Dobrowolski’s legal difficulties were, of course of interest to the media and were duly reported. Most reports quite naturally contained information about the current offences and the doctor’s previous disciplinary history. What was left out of these reports was a simple statement as to the timing, not of the findings of the various disciplinary panels but of the commission of these offences.
Obviously, the fact that he was found guilty of 10 offences instead of one is relevant. But so is when these offences were committed. A quick reading of these reports gives the impression that Dr. Dombrowolski was charged, disciplined and then went out and "did it again". This was not the case. All of the offences that the doctor has been found guilty of were committed prior to the holding of the first disciplinary offence. In other words since the College began proceedings the doctor has not been found to have engaged in improper conduct with patients.
The fact that the doctor faced multiple hearings stemmed from the timing of when the women went to the College of Physicians and Surgeons with their complaints and not from further misconduct by the doctor. In an attempt to portray Dombrowolski in the worst possible light, the media left the impression that prior penalties had no affect on his conduct and that he kept repeating his conduct. It would have been a simple matter to insert a sentence that clearly stated that all these wrongful acts took place prior to the first hearing.
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'Serious penalty' urged in sex case
By eter Small
Toronto Star - July 14, 2004
Betrayed, emotionally scarred, psychiatrist's victim says: Sexual impropriety
By Allan Woods
National Post - July 15, 2004
Psychiatrist's sex victim felt 'betrayed': Left emotionally scarred
By Allan Woods
National Post - July 15, 2004
Ontario MD's licence suspended
By Joseph Brean
National Post - December 4, 2004
TORONTO - Stanley Dobrowolski, a London, Ont., psychotherapist who has been convicted four separate times of professional misconduct with the female university students who were his patients, will be punished with a six-month licence suspension for his latest misdeeds, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario announced yesterday. Dr. Dobrowolski with his wife, will also be barred from taking new female patients. The punishment is based on his admission that, in 1992, he exchanged torrid love letters with a former patient, a graduate student, and spent a romantic night with her in an Ottawa hotel. At his hearing in July, two other women complained he pressured them into embarrassing and unnecessary physical exams, but the College found he merely displayed "poor judgment." He has already been punished for misconduct involving six other women, in three other discipline hearings, dating to the early 1990s, when he was a student health doctor at the University of Western Ontario.
Father on trial for assault of daughter, 4, claims a missing junkie is the culprit MD's licence suspended for misconduct
By Joseph Brean
National Post - December 4, 2004
TORONTO - Stanley Dobrowolski, a London, Ont., psychotherapist who has been convicted four separate times of professional misconduct with the female university students who were his patients, will be punished with a six-month licence suspension for his latest misdeeds, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario announced yesterday. Dr. Dobrowolski will also be barred from taking new female patients. The punishment is based on his admission that, in 1992, he exchanged torrid love letters with a former patient, a graduate student, and spent a romantic night with her in an Ottawa hotel. At his hearing in July, two other women complained he pressured them into embarrassing and unnecessary physical exams, but the College found he merely displayed "poor judgment." He has already been punished for misconduct involving six other women, in three other discipline hearings, dating to the early 1990s, when he was a student health doctor at the University of Western Ontario.
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'Serious penalty' urged in sex case
By eter Small
Toronto Star - July 14, 2004
A psychiatrist who wrote letters of a sexual nature and spent the night in a hotel with a former patient should have his licence suspended for 16 months and be barred from taking on new female patients, a medical disciplinary panel has been told.
It is the fourth time Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski of London, Ont., has been found guilty of "disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional" conduct involving female patients, prosecutor Andrew Pinto told a four-member panel of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario yesterday.
His previous offences ranged from inappropriate touching and breast exams, to sexual intercourse with one patient, Pinto said, adding that a "serious penalty" would be appropriate.
The 57-year-old psychiatrist should not be allowed to do physical exams on his remaining female patients and should be forced to provide them with information on the college's findings against him, Pinto said.
Last week, Dobrowolski pleaded guilty to charges of touching, hugging and spending the night in an Ottawa hotel room with a former patient, as well as a letter-writing relationship "of a romantic or sexual nature" with her in the early 1990s, with additional correspondence in 1997.
Dobrowolski's lawyer, David Hamer, said his client is not a repeat offender. The transgressions for which he has most recently pleaded guilty took place before he was convicted of any other offence, Hamer told the panel. Dobrowolski was convicted in 1994, 1995 and 1999. "There have been no offences that resulted in convictions after 1992 - 12 years ago," Hamer said.
The hearing continues today.
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MD claims 'credit' for past sex suspension: Sentencing hearing
By Allan Wood
National Post - July 14, 2004
A psychiatrist disciplined for seven sex-related offences against young women should walk away largely unscathed from his most recent conviction because of a year-long suspension served when earlier, unrelated allegations first surfaced, his lawyer said.
In sentencing submissions for Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski, the London, Ont., doctor convicted last week for having an inappropriate relationship with a former patient, his lawyer said any suspension should be offset by a nine-month "credit" on a suspension he earned after five former patients first alleged sexual impropriety.
"I suggest a range of six to nine months, but there should be no new suspension," defence lawyer David Hamer told a panel of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario yesterday.
Mr. Hamer said all of Dr. Dobrowolski's breaches occurred before his first disciplinary hearing ended in 1994, and his client has demonstrated true remorse by seeking sensitivity training and counselling.
Last week's finding of guilt for "disgraceful, dishonourable and unprofessional" conduct, stems from a relationship the doctor had between 1990 and 1992 with a graduate student at the University of Western Ontario. The relationship peaked with a September, 1992, rendezvous at an Ottawa hotel in which the two explored each other's bodies and talked intimately well into the morning, but did not have sexual intercourse.
Five years later, in 1997, Dr. Dobrowolski received a letter from the woman, who was then seeking a psychiatric referral in Halifax.
The doctor's response to that letter, lawyers for the College charge, constituted an invitation to renew the relationship and yet another breach of professional guidelines. As a "repeat offender," Dr. Dobrowolski should receive a 16-month suspension, Andrew Pinto, the college's prosecutor, argued.
In the letter, the doctor writes: "I have many mixed emotions as I read your letter.... Before I felt some self-imposed role ... to be a caregiver, rescuer, lifesaver ... now I can be a fellow life traveller."
Mr. Pinto said: "It opens the door once again. Here it is five years later and it is apparent ... the doctor is ... leaving open the possibility of some form of relationship. It does not appear the doctor fully appreciated the impact he has had."
He added that the letter constitutes "a continuation of boundary violations, a continuation of the inappropriate conduct that you convicted him of. If that doesn't show a lack of judgment after being convicted in 1995 and 1996, then I don't know what does," he added.
Dr. Dobrowolski was suspended for one year in 1994 when five former patients, all students at the university where he was a health counsellor, lodged complaints of sexual impropriety.
The first complaint involved a 22-year-old patient with whom the doctor had sex on four occasions. When it came before the disciplinary panel in 1994, the doctor was ordered suspended for a year, nine months of which was forgiven provided he underwent psychiatric counselling.
The next year, he was found guilty of giving an inappropriate breast examination to a patient. He was acquitted on charges involving three other women. In 2000, four women complained about inappropriate remarks the doctor made, and that he hugged them and kissed them, but he was found guilty on only one charge and his licence was not suspended.
Mr. Pinto is asking that the doctor be barred from accepting new female patients. "I don't accept the proposition that there is a penalty bank ... where there is credit," he said of Mr. Hamer's sentencing suggestion.
Mr. Hamer said in his arguments that the 1997 letter amounts to harmless correspondence that shows, in fact, his client had already learned his lesson.
"My old role may colour our correspondence, but I cannot return to my old role ever again," Dr. Dobrowolski also writes in the letter.
Mr. Hamer also took issue with the clarity of professional directives regarding relationships between doctors and patients in 1992, saying it wasn't until months later that the province's regulating bodies ruled there should be no contact, even after therapy had concluded.
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By Allan Woods
National Post - July 15, 2004
TORONTO - The latest victim of a psychiatrist convicted seven times of sexual impropriety with female patients said she was emotionally and mentally scarred by her romantic relationship with him that left her unable to trust doctors and contributed to the failure of her doctoral thesis.
In a letter to the four-member disciplinary panel of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the woman, at the time a student in London, said the two-year affair she had with Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski, which peaked with a 1992 tryst in an Ottawa hotel, affects her to this day.
"For me the results of Dr. Dobrowolski's actions are ongoing ... In my opinion, [he] betrayed his [medical] oath, he betrayed my trust and he betrayed me," she said in a victim impact statement read yesterday by college prosecutor Andrew Pinto.
"I was struggling with issues of attachment that left me with great insecurity in my relationships. The therapeutic process should therefore have been focused on changing the template of that fear of loss. The template only got reinforced," she wrote.
Dr. Dobrowolski, 57, pleaded guilty to "disgraceful, dishonourable and disgraceful" conduct and was convicted last week in his fourth disciplinary hearing involving inappropriate behaviour with young female patients while working in the student health centre at the University of Western Ontario. He was also convicted of impropriety with six other women in 1994, 2000 and 2001.
In this case, he was acquitted of two other charges involving two sisters who received precautionary full-body mole checks at his insistence.
The college, which initially sought to revoke the doctor's licence, now wants a 16-month suspension and numerous restrictions on his practice, including barring him from taking on new female patients.
David Hamer, the doctor's lawyer, is seeking a six-to-nine month suspension for his client that would be offset by a nine month "credit" ostensibly earned when Dr. Dobrowolski was suspended for a year after five previous allegations surfaced.
According to an agreed statement of facts, Dr. Dobrowolski began treating this woman, then a doctoral student, for depression in 1989. During one session, when she was wearing a leather dress, Dr. Dobrowolski reached over and pulled out a loose thread from between her knees.
"It was at this point that she felt their relationship changed. She was awestruck that Dr. Dobrowolski had touched her and she felt special," according to the court document.
She reached out and touched his knee in return, and their relationship blossomed. They held hands during sessions, he would drive her home and they even went together to view a house that would potentially be purchased for one of the doctor's relatives.
One month after she moved in August, 1990, to accept a job offer, she and "Stan" -- as she called the squat, bearded, married father - - began writing letters to one another, a correspondence that would last over the next two years.
"Her letters were sad. She wrote about how she wasn't seeing him any more and she wrote about her job," according to the statement of facts, which said he received five letters for every one that he returned.
"She told him in her letters that she loved him."
In the victim impact statement, she said: "One puts one's life on hold waiting for that next letter."
The relationship culminated in a Sept. 13, 1992, rendezvous at Ottawa's Minto Hotel during which they touched and aroused each other while lying in bed, but did not have intercourse.
Dr. Dobrowolski last contacted the woman in a 1997 letter, in response to her request for a psychiatric referral. In it, he discussed their past together, saying he could not return to that "old role" but left open the possibility of a relationship as "fellow life travellers."
Mr. Hamer said his client should be sentenced to a lesser penalty because all of his offences occurred before his first conviction in 1994. Since then, Dr. Dobrowolski has sought personal and professional counselling and suffered significant public ridicule.
The panel has retired to deliberate and prepare its judgment.
Yesterday, Mr. Hamer also submitted 70 letters from Dr. Dobrowolski's current patients testifying to his skill as a psychiatrist and to his importance as a Polish-speaking doctor.
Mr. Pinto said there must be a strong sentence to reflect that the victim's trauma is ongoing.
As a result of the affair, she had trouble finding a new therapist because the "physical and emotional nurturance" she had come to expect weren't being met.
A case of severe post-1992 depression, she claims, contributed to her inability to defend her Ph.D. dissertation in June, 1993, which she called "a loss that will never be resolved."
"He did irrefutable harm to my emotional health for which I am still struggling to overcome," she wrote in her statement. "The written black and white 'statement of facts' and the single word of 'guilty' ... only partially reflect the impact that Dr. Dobrowloski's actions had on me."
The panel has retired to deliberate and prepare its written judgment.
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By Allan Woods
National Post - July 15, 2004
The latest victim of a psychiatrist convicted seven times of sexual impropriety with female patients said she was emotionally and mentally scarred by her romantic relationship with him that left her unable to trust doctors and contributed to the failure of her doctoral thesis.
In a letter to the four-member disciplinary panel of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the woman, at the time a student in London, Ont., said the two-year affair she had with Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski, which peaked with a 1992 tryst in an Ottawa hotel, affects her to this day.
"For me the results of Dr. Dobrowolski's actions are ongoing ... In my opinion, [he] betrayed his [medical] oath, he betrayed my trust and he betrayed me," she said in a victim impact statement read yesterday by college prosecutor Andrew Pinto.
"I was struggling with issues of attachment that left me with great insecurity in my relationships. The therapeutic process should therefore have been focussed on changing the template of that fear of loss. The template only got reinforced," she wrote.
Dr. Dobrowolski, 57, pleaded guilty to "disgraceful, dishonourable and disgraceful" conduct and was convicted last week in his fourth disciplinary hearing inolving inappropriate behaviour with young female patients while working in the student health centre at the University of Western Ontario. He was also convicted of improptiety with six other women in 1994, 2000 and 2001.
In this case, he was acquited of two other charges involving two sisters who received full-body mole checks at his insistence.
The college, which initially sought a revokation of the doctor's licence, now wants a 16-month suspension and numerous restrictions on his practice, including barring him from taking on new female patients.
David Hamer, the doctor's lawyer, is seeking a six-to-nine month suspension for his client that would be offset by a nine month "credit" ostensibly earned when Dr. Dobrowolski was suspended for a year after five previous allegations surfaced.
According to an agreed statement of facts, Dr. Dobrowolski began treating this woman, then a doctoral student, for depression in 1989. During one session, when she was wearing a leather dress, Dr. Dobrowolski reached over and pulled out a loose thread from between her knees. "It was at this point that she felt their relationship changed. She was awestruck that Dr. Dobrowolski had touched her and she felt special," according to the court document.
She reached out and touched his knee in return, and their relationship blossomed. They held hands during sessions, he would drive her home and they even went together to view a house that would potentially be purchased for one of the doctor's relatives.
One month after she moved in August, 1990, to accept a job offer, she and "Stan" -- as she called the squat, bearded, married father - - they began writing letters to one another, a correspondence that would last over the next two years. "Her letters were sad. She wrote about how she wasn't seeing him any more and she wrote about her job," according to the statement of facts, which said he received five letters for every one that he returned. "She told him in her letters that she loved him."
In the victim impact statement, she said: "One puts one's life on hold waiting for that next letter."
The relationship culminated in a Sept. 13, 1992, rendezvous at Ottawa's Minto Hotel during which they touched and aroused each other while lying in bed, but did not have intercourse.
Yesterday, Mr. Hamer submitted 70 letters from Dr. Dobrowolski's current patients testifying to his skill as a psychiatrist and to his importance as a Polish-speaking doctor.
Dr. Dobrowolski last contacted the woman in a 1997 letter, in response to her request for a psychiatric referral. In it, he discussed their past together, saying he could not return to that "old role" but left open the possibility of a relationship as "fellow life travellers."
Mr. Hamer said his client should be sentenced to a lesser penalty because all of his offences occurred before his first conviction in 1994. Since then, Dr. Dobrowolski has sought personal and professional counselling and suffered significant public ridicule. In sentencing submissions Tuesday, he said the professional guidelines regarding doctor-patient relationships were not clear until after September, 1992.
Yesterday, Mr. Hamer also submitted 70 letters from Dr. Dobrowolski's current patients testifying to his skill as a psychiatrist and to his importance as a Polish-speaking doctor.
Mr. Pinto said there must be a strong sentence to reflect that the victim's trauma is ongoing.
As a result of the affair, she had trouble finding a new therapist because the "physical and emotional nurturance" she had come to expect weren't being met.
A case of severe post-1992 depression, she claims, contributed to her inability to defend her Ph.D. dissertation in June, 1993, which she called "a loss that will never be resolved."
"He did irrefutable harm to my emotional health for which I am still struggling to overcome," she wrote in her statement. "The written black and white 'statement of facts' and the single word of 'guilty' ... only partially reflect the impact that Dr. Dobrowloski's actions had on me."
The panel has now retired to deliberate and prepare its written judgment.
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By Joseph Brean
National Post - December 4, 2004
TORONTO - Stanley Dobrowolski, a London, Ont., psychotherapist who has been convicted four separate times of professional misconduct with the female university students who were his patients, will be punished with a six-month licence suspension for his latest misdeeds, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario announced yesterday. Dr. Dobrowolski with his wife, will also be barred from taking new female patients. The punishment is based on his admission that, in 1992, he exchanged torrid love letters with a former patient, a graduate student, and spent a romantic night with her in an Ottawa hotel. At his hearing in July, two other women complained he pressured them into embarrassing and unnecessary physical exams, but the College found he merely displayed "poor judgment." He has already been punished for misconduct involving six other women, in three other discipline hearings, dating to the early 1990s, when he was a student health doctor at the University of Western Ontario.
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By Joseph Brean
National Post - December 4, 2004
TORONTO - Stanley Dobrowolski, a London, Ont., psychotherapist who has been convicted four separate times of professional misconduct with the female university students who were his patients, will be punished with a six-month licence suspension for his latest misdeeds, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario announced yesterday. Dr. Dobrowolski will also be barred from taking new female patients. The punishment is based on his admission that, in 1992, he exchanged torrid love letters with a former patient, a graduate student, and spent a romantic night with her in an Ottawa hotel. At his hearing in July, two other women complained he pressured them into embarrassing and unnecessary physical exams, but the College found he merely displayed "poor judgment." He has already been punished for misconduct involving six other women, in three other discipline hearings, dating to the early 1990s, when he was a student health doctor at the University of Western Ontario.
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Ontario doctor facing disciplinary hearing after alleged sexual touching of a female patient
By Bilbo Poynter
National Post - October 31, 2012
Stanley Dobrowolski suspended after alleged sexual touching of a female patient
LONDON, Ont. — A London psychiatrist who has been the subject of multiple disciplinary actions, as well as a court order for sexual improprieties with his patients, is once again facing a disciplinary hearing over sexual misconduct by the regulatory body that oversees the profession.
Earlier this month the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario suspended Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski’s practice pending an investigation of the alleged sexual abuse of a female patient.
The disciplinary record posted on the college website alleges that Dr. Dobrowolski engaged in inappropriate and/or sexual touching of the “breasts, legs and genitals” of unnamed “Patient A.” The allegations also include, “masturbating Patient A,” and the shaving of Patient A’s legs and/or, “pubic area,” as well as the taking of, “inappropriate and/or sexual photographs and/or videos of Patient A.”
It is also alleged that the psychiatrist kissed the patient, offered to undress in front of her, and made remarks that were of an “inappropriate, and/or sexual nature.”
Dr. Dobrowolski’s licence suspension began on Oct. 12, while a Notice of Hearing into the matter, issued by the college’s disciplinary committee, lists Patient A as having been a patient of Dr. Dobrowolski’s from February 2006 to May 2011. The notice also states that Dr. Dobrowolski failed to maintain the professional standard of practice in the caring for and “prescribing for Patient A.”
The voicemail greeting at Dr. Dobrowolski’s practice does not indicate he has been suspended.
Dr. Dobrowolski has been subject to a court order since 2006 restricting him from giving physical exams to patients, and makes clear that he is not to engage in any personal interactions with female patients outside of therapy. He must also alert any female patient to these restrictions, and clearly display a notice of these restrictions in his home-based office. The college alleges that the doctor is in violation of that court order.
Reached at his home, Dr. Dobrowolski declined comment. “I have nothing to say at the moment because there’s lawyers involved and so forth,” he said.
There is no evidence that Dr. Dobrowolski’s behaviour was criminal in nature. Kathryn Clarke, a spokeswoman for the college, said there is “no legal obligation” for the college to report information from its investigation to police. “But we do explore that option with the person who has brought the matter to our attention.”
The college has been the subject of scrutiny in the past over a perceived lack of action around doctors repeatedly cited for professional misconduct or the sexual abuse of patients and yet allowed to continue practising medicine. A 1991 task force recommended the college adopt a “zero tolerance” position on the sexual abuse of patients by doctors. But in 2001, the Toronto Star reported that 90% of sexual-abuse complaints to the college were either dropped or privately resolved, while a 2007 investigation by the Hamilton Spectator found that, of 126 college-disciplinary cases involving sexual misconduct, only half resulted in doctors having their licences revoked.
Dr. Dobrowolski has been the subject of disciplinary action on four other occasions since 1994 for “disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct.”
In one case, his licence was suspended for a year, with the ability to have nine months of that suspension forgiven if he complied with certain conditions. In another matter, he was suspended for six months, with three months shaved off if he improved his record-keeping and underwent therapy.
The decision in the 1994 case refers to past incidents of professional misconduct involving six complainants from incidents dating back to 1985, with the panel suggesting there appeared to be “a pattern of serious misconduct.”
Marilou McPhedran, who chaired the “zero tolerance” task force, as well as a follow-up review nine years later, said she finds it “shocking” the number of cases in the province that “are clearly sexual assault as defined by the criminal code” yet are not referred to police.
“In the cases that I’ve reviewed, for the 20-plus years I’ve been involved in this, it’s very seldom if ever that I’ve seen the college refer a case to the police, even where the facts were powerfully demonstrating sexual assault under the criminal code,” Ms. McPhedran said.
Under the Regulated Health Professions Act — the legislation that governs health-care professionals — the college is compelled to keep most information confidential, but is permitted to disclose where a “law enforcement proceeding is likely to result.”
According to a source with close knowledge of college disciplinary procedures, even if the Dobrowolski case is fast-tracked, it could take up to a year before a disciplinary panel issues a ruling.
“If you look at the medical boards — which is what they’re called in the States — if this had happened in the States, the cops would be arresting him,” alleged the source.
Ms. McPhedran said that, even without a criminal incident or police involvement, the college could have acted sooner given Dr. Dobrowolski’s disciplinary track record. “In a case like this, what is most perplexing to me is that based on the information — and it’s not detailed information — is how both the college and the court failed to follow the very clear legislation … given the facts that were accepted … The revocation of this doctor’s licence was appropriate years ago.”
Ms. Clarke said the latest allegations are not similar in nature to the previous cases involving Dr. Dobrowolski.
“How could they say there’s not a pattern here?” asked Ms. McPhedran.
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London Police Service - Stanley Dobrowolski
November 6, 2012
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London Psychiatrist Charged With Sexual Assault
By Avery Moore
Blackburn News - November 6, 2012
Police are releasing details about a London psychiatrist arrested on charges of sexual assault and voyeurism.
65-year-old Stanley Dobrowolski is accused of video-recording women without their knowledge during physical examinations in his office.
Police say the incidents are alleged to have occurred between 2005 and 2011.
Dobrowolski’s medical license was suspended by the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons last month.
He is also accused of abusing his position of trust, power and authority through inappropriate touching and unnecessary physical exams.
Police say they will oppose his release on bail.
Investigators are reaching out to possible other victims and encouraging them to call 519-660-5842.
Since 1994, Dobrowolski has been the subject of disciplinary action by the College four times for “disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct.”
He will appear in a London court on Wednesday.
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London psychiatrist Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski granted bail in sex assault case
By Jane Sims
The London Free Press - November 7, 2012
A London psychiatrist facing sex charges is being allowed to return home.
Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski, 65, was granted bail Wednesday, but with a long list of court-ordered conditions including a ban on practising medicine.
Dobrowolski, already under suspension by the College of Physicians and Surgeons, was charged this week with sexual assault and voyeurism between 2005 and 2011.
The complainant’s name and evidence presented at Dobrowolski’s bail hearing was placed under a publication ban by Justice of the Peace Robert Seneshen.
He agreed Dobrowolski could be released from custody on $20,000 bail to return to his London home.
His other conditions suggested by the Crown include:
Depositing all passports with London police.
No contact with the complainant or her family, and not to be within 50 metres of her, or at any known place of residence, work or school.
Not to have any prescription medications of any sort unless written specifically for Dobrowolski.
Not to prescribe any medicine.
Not to be employed or volunteer in any way involving being alone with women.
Not to use any computer equipment except in his wife’s presence.
Dobrowolski’s next court date is Dec. 3.
The psychiatrist has previous reprimands and suspensions by the medical regulating body dating back to 1995. He’s served two three-month suspensions and two reprimands.
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London Psychiatrist Released on Bail
By Avery Moore
Blackburn News - November 8, 2012
Dressed in a leather jacket and khaki pants, 64-year-old Stanley Dobrowolski looked down at his hands for most of his court appearance Wednesday.
The London psychiatrist was arrested Tuesday and charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of voyeurism.
Although London Police said they would oppose his bail application, the judge said he found there were grounds for his release.
Dobrowolski was released from custody with very strict conditions.
He was told he is stay at his home in Old North and give any passports he has to London Police.
Dobrowolski was also instructed to have no contact with the alleged victim or her family, and is not allowed within 50 metres of the her or 100 metres of her home or workplace.
The psychiatrist’s medical license has already been suspended by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, but the court also placed restrictions on his ability to practice psychiatry.
The judge told Dobrowolski that he is not to possess any medication not prescribed to him by a doctor, which means London Police will confiscate any medication found in his home office.
He is not allowed to prescribe or distribute prescription medication or give any kind of counselling to anyone.
Dobrowolski was told he is not allowed to work or volunteer in any capacity that would mean he might be alone with a woman.
He is not allowed to contact any of his former patients, nor can he have any hidden recording equipment or use a computer without the supervision of his wife.
He is also not allowed to have any firearms or weapons in his possession.
In a releasesent out on Tuesday, London police claim Dobrowolski video-recorded females without their knowledge during physical examinations in his office.
They also allege that he, “abused his position of trust, power, or authority by inappropriate touching or unnecessary physical examination of a patient”.
London Police and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario are both investigating Dobrowolski.
They are reaching out to possible other victims and encouraging them to call 519-660-5842.
Since 1994, Dobrowolski has been the subject of disciplinary action by the College four times for “disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct”.
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Psychiatrist Case Back in Court
By Avery Moore
Blackburn News - January 8, 2013
The case of a London psychiatrist accused of video-taping a patient without her knowledge returns to court today.
Stanley Dobrowolski’s lawyer will appear to receive evidence from the Crown.
The 64-year-old psychiatrist is charged with one count of voyeurism and one count of sexual assault.
In November, Dobrowolski was released on bail under very strict instructions not to contact the alleged victim nor or any of his former patients and not to write any prescriptions.
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Dobrowolski; Back in Court February 5th
By Avery Moore
Blackburn News - January 9, 2013
The case of a London psychiatrist accused of videotaping patients without their knowledge has been adjourned for a month.
A lawyer for 66-year-old Stanley Dobrowolski appeared in court briefly on Tuesday.
Dobrowolski’s lawyer has now received disclosure of evidence from the Crown and they will meet again in court Feb. 5.
During the next four weeks the psychiatrist’s lawyers will review the evidence and meet with the Crown to decide how to move forward.
The 66-year-old is charged with one count of voyeurism and one count of sexual assault.
In November, Dobrowolski was released on very strict bail conditions including not contacting the alleged victim not contacting any of his former patients and not writing any prescriptions. He is not allowed to give any kind of counselling to anyone.
Dobrowolski was told he is not allowed to work or volunteer in any capacity that would mean he might be alone with a woman. He is also not allowed to have any firearms or weapons in his possession.
His medical license had already been suspended by the College of Physicians and Surgeons
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Disturbing videos of women found on psychiatrist's computer: Cops
By Jennifer O'Brien
The London Free Press - January 24, 2013
Investigators are asking former patients of suspended psychiatrist Stanley Dobrowolski to contact them after finding disturbing videos of women on his computers, police said.
In videos taken between 2007 and 2012, at least seven women are shown undergoing physical examinations by Dobrowolski — who is already charged with sexual assault and voyeurism with another former patient — said Insp. Kevin Heslop, with the London, Ont., police.
“They were videoed without their knowledge in situations where he conducted physical examinations on them. . . and psychiatrists typically are not permitted to conduct physical examinations,” said Heslop.
He said police will also be trying to track down the women through patient lists. They want to speak to each woman to determine levels of “informed consent,” Heslop said.
“We want to reassure women that this will be done with the greatest discretion and with their best interests,” he said.
Investigators are asking former patients to phone (519) 660-5842. The former patients can also e-mailproject@police.london.ca.
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New Court Date for London Psychiatrist
By Avery Moore
Blackburn News - February 5, 2013
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By Avery Moore
Blackburn News - February 5, 2013
The case of a London psychiatrist accused of videotaping female patients without their knowledge won’t come back to court until next month.
On Tuesday, a lawyer appeared on 65-year-old Stanley Dobrowolski’s behalf and a new date for further disclosure was set for March 5th.
Dobrowolski is charged with two counts of sexual assault and one count of voyeurism.
He was arrested in November and released on a long list of very strict bail conditions.
London Police have revealed they are aware of seven more incidents of alleged secret videotaping. No further charges have been laid, but police are hoping to indentify the women involved.
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By Jim Reyno
Metro London - March 5, 2013
London police are widening their investigation of psychiatrist Stanley Dobrowolski.
Police said Tuesday they are looking to identify 34 women who were allegedly videotaped by Dobrowolski without their knowledge during physical exams between 2007 and 2012. If you were a patient of Dobrowolski’s in that time frame, you’re asked to contact police.
This is the latest development in the case against Dobrowolski.
Last November, Dobrowolski was charged with one count each of sexual assault and voyeurism. In January, police searched the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and computers seized from Dobrowolski’s office at 47 Victoria St. in London.
At that time, police identified seven more incidents of Dobrowolski allegedly videotaping women without their knowledge at his office. While a number of those women have been identified and interviewed, 34 have not, police said.
Former patients can contact police at 519-660-5842, or online at project@police.london.ca. Support is also available through Sexual Assault Centre London at 519-438-2272.
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Police Search For Psychiatrist's Patients
By Avery Moore
Blackburns News - March 5, 2013
London Police are searching for dozens of women they say were recorded without their knowledge in the office of psychiatrist Stanley Dobrowolski.
Dobrowolski was arrested in November and charged with two counts of sexual assault and one count of voyeurism.
In January, police executed a search warrant at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, and reported finding evidence of seven additional cases of voyeurism.
Now police say an investigation into Dobrowolski’s computer and electronic storage devices has led them to believe there are 34 more women who were allegedly videotaped without their consent.
Police want to speak with any women who were patients of Dobrowolski’s between 2007 and 2012.
The psychiatrist’s medical license was suspended by the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons in October 2012.
All cases brought to police will be handled sensitively.
Support for any women involved is available through the Sexual Assault Centre London at 519-438-2272.
Former patients should contact the London Police Service project personnel at 519-660-5842 or online at project@police.london.ca.
A lawyer for Dobrowolski was expected to appear in a London court room on Tuesday to speak to the sexual assault and voyeurism charges.
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Ontario psychiatrist faces 40 new charges linked to alleged abuse
By Victoria Ptashnick
The Star - April 15, 2013
A London, Ont., psychiatrist accused of making secret video-recordings of female patients while they underwent physical examinations is facing 40 new charges.
A 66-year-old psychiatrist in London, Ont., is facing 40 new charges, including several counts of sexual assault, voyeurism and possessing and producing child pornography.
“We’re pretty confident that we’ve spoken to everyone who will come forward, so our investigation is now over,” said Det. Kevin Heslob of the London police after the additional charges were laid Monday.
Police said that brings the total number of charges faced by Dr. Stanley Dobrowolski to 43.
In 2004, at a series of hearings before the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Dobrowolski was found guilty of unprofessional conduct involving female patients.
He pleaded guilty to charges of touching, hugging and spending the night in an Ottawa hotel room with a former patient, as well as a letter-writing relationship “of a romantic or sexual nature” with her in the early 1990s, with additional correspondence in 1997.
His previous offences ranged from inappropriate touching and breast exams to sexual intercourse with one patient.
Dobrowolski was charged last November with two counts of sexual assault and one count of voyeurism in connection with alleged incidents at his London, Ont. office. The investigation prompted a search warrant at the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Police said an examination of computers and electronic storage devices seized by the college from Dobrowolski’s office led to the discovery of additional incidents.
After a public appeal asking women who had prior contact with Dobrowolski to come forward, police say 19 women provided information that led to his rearrest and the new charges.
The charges against Dobrowolski now include 18 counts of sexual assault, 10 counts of voyeurism, one count of child exploitation, one count of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.
The police said the child exploitation and child pornography charges are related to incidents involving a 17-year-old. They have, with the consent of the women involved, referred 28 cases of potential professional misconduct to the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Dobrowolski was suspended by the regulatory body last Oct. 12.
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Disgraced London psychiatrist is now facing 40 new charges including sexual assault, voyeurism and child pornography
By Jane Sims and Jennifer O'Brien
IfPress - April 16, 2013
A London psychiatrist faces 40 new charges, including sexual assault, voyeurism and counts related to child porn, police say.
London police report 20 women — including a 17-year-old, of whom police say “images were taken without her informed consent” — have come forward as complainants against psychiatrist Stanley Dobrowolski.
The new charges bring the total number against Dobrowolski to 43.
“We are reasonably confident now that we’ve spoken to anyone who is going to come forward,” Det. Insp. Kevin Heslop said. “The investigation is concluded now.”
Dobrowolski turned himself in to police Monday and was held in custody until after 3 p.m. when he was released on an existing $20,000 bail.
The Crown also asked a condition be placed on the doctor not to contact any foreign consulate or embassy.
The 20 women, their identities protected by court order, were added to a list of people Dobrowolski is not to contact.
A publication ban was placed on evidence heard at Monday’s bail hearing.
Dobrowolski is to return to court May 21.
Dobrowolski was arrested last November on two counts of sexual assault and one of voyeurism.
At the time, police were trying to identify at least seven women as possible complainants.
Two months later, police obtained computers and electronic storage devices from the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Then, last month, police appealed to potential complainants, saying they wanted to identify women who may have been filmed without their consent during physical examinations.
As a result of that appeal, 19 more women came forward, Heslop said.
Among the new charges against him:
- 18 counts of sexual assault
- 10 of voyeurism
- 12 counts of breach of court order
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Psychiatrist’s Case Adjourned
By Avery Moore
Blackburn News - May 21, 2013
The case of a London psychiatrist accused of videotaping his female patients has been put over to a court date at the end of June.
66-year-old Stanley Dobrowolski is facing 43 charges after a lengthy police interview that lasted several months.
In court on Tuesday, Dobrowolski’s Toronto lawyer David Humphrey appeared on the doctor’s behalf to request the case be adjourned until June 25th.
In the meantime, the Crown attorney’s office will courier Humphrey more evidence in the case on six DVDs.
Dobrowolski was originally arrested in November and charged with one count of sexual assault and two counts of voyeurism, but in April police laid an additional 40 charges against the psychiatrist.
In total, Dobrowolski is charged with 19 counts of sexual assault, 12 counts of voyeurism, 12 counts of breach of a court order, and one count each of child exploitation, production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
In addition, with the consent of the involved women, the London Police Service has referred 28 cases of potential professional misconduct to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
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