Sydney Millionaire Surgeon Guilty of Serious Misconduct
Jerry Schwartz, a millionaire and suspended cosmetic surgeon from Sydney, has been found guilty of professional misconduct. This verdict significantly impacts his lengthy efforts to resume patient care.
Sydney Millionaire Surgeon Faces Serious Misconduct Charges
In a ruling released recently, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) determined that Schwartz violated existing restrictions by administering fentanyl to eight patients during cosmetic procedures between 2019 and 2021. These actions breach his medical license conditions originally enforced in 2013, which specifically prohibited him from providing conscious sedation.
Background and Previous Restrictions
Schwartz has faced multiple restrictions since 2013, including a 2017 mandate barring him from conscious sedation. His suspension comes after a history of cases where he failed to meet professional standards.
Recent Findings and Additional Violations
- Misadvised a patient regarding skin cancer, stating it “won’t spread.”
- Directed staff to forge his signature on medical paperwork.
- Administered treatment to family members and himself, including self-prescribing sleeping pills and injecting Dysport.
The tribunal emphasized these breaches warranted suspension or cancellation of Schwartz’s medical registration. Schwartz argued that his use of fentanyl was not conscious sedation and criticized the clarity of the imposed regulations. However, the tribunal dismissed these claims, labeling his actions as “particularly serious.”
Concerns About Professional Conduct
The tribunal expressed skepticism regarding Schwartz’s reliability as a witness, citing poor documentation and inconsistent testimonies. They stated, “We do not accept any uncorroborated assertions unless they are uncontroversial.”
In response to the tribunal’s decision, Schwartz announced plans to appeal. He claimed the findings are unfounded and reflect a prolonged campaign against him by medical authorities.
Profile of Jerry Schwartz
Schwartz is recognized as one of Sydney’s wealthiest individuals, with an estimated net worth of $667 million. He inherited his family’s hotel empire, which consists of 14 hotels in Sydney, including well-known establishments like Sofitel and Rydges.
Additional Controversies
Aside from his medical troubles, Schwartz’s company faced a recall of their “Dr Schwartz Hand Sanitiser” after a guest at Paradise Resort experienced acute methanol poisoning from consuming the product. Following testing revealing high methanol levels, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) mandated the recall.
Schwartz has stated that his company aimed to protect hotel guests from COVID-19 with the sanitiser but removed it from circulation after the incident. He emphasized that the product had been distributed in accordance with safety guidelines until that point.
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Schwartz highlights significant issues within the medical profession, particularly the importance of adhering to professional standards to ensure patient safety.
