discipline summaries
Abawi’s misconduct and how his behaviour affected her.
The Committee was unclear about Dr. Abawi’s motivation for the misconduct. No prior history of similar
behaviour was present, yet his actions were very aggressive, intimidating and he blamed the complainant for
them. Because of the circumstances and the power and
control inherent in the incident, the Committee paid
particular attention to any residual risk the doctor may
pose. The nature of the incident and the uncertainty
regarding motivation were aggravating factors.
It was notable that no past concerns of a similar nature concerning Dr. Abawi came to the attention of the
College.
The Committee based its consideration of the penalty on several guiding principles. Chief among them
is protection of the public and the need to uphold the
honour and reputation of the profession and the confidence of the public in the College’s ability to regulate
itself. The penalty should serve as a general deterrent
to the profession and a specific deterrent to the doctor
himself. The penalty should be proportionate to the
misconduct and express the profession’s denunciation of
the misconduct. Rehabilitation of the member is also a
consideration.
The Committee considers that the significant period
of suspension of Dr. Abawi’s certificate of registration
and the significant monitoring period will serve as a
specific deterrent to Dr. Abawi. The penalty will also
serv