Toronto Anorectal Doctor Loses Medical License for Severe Misconduct: Tribunal
A Toronto doctor has lost his medical license due to severe misconduct, as determined by a recent tribunal decision. Dr. Ashwin Rajan Maharaj, who specialized in proctology and gastroenterology, was found guilty of serious violations that included misdiagnosing patients and conducting unnecessary procedures.
Key Findings of the Tribunal
On Wednesday, the Ontario Physicians and Surgeons Discipline Tribunal delivered its ruling, stating that Dr. Maharaj exhibited incompetence that endangered his patients. He entered a no contest plea to the charges, a legal maneuver allowing him to accept a guilty verdict without admitting guilt.
Misconduct Details
- Performed unnecessary anorectal examinations, including those under propofol anesthesia without justification.
- Misdiagnosed patients and conducted unwarranted medical procedures that lack evidence-based support.
- Failed to obtain informed consent from patients, often seeking blanket consent prior to examinations.
- Documented care incorrectly, which fell below professional standards.
Seven patients lodged complaints against Dr. Maharaj, noting inadequate assessments and treatments from 2019 to 2025. An independent colorectal surgeon assessed each case, confirming that the care did not meet the required medical standards.
Risks and Violations
The tribunal’s investigation reviewed an additional ten patient records and identified similar issues. The findings indicated that Dr. Maharaj placed patients at an unacceptable risk of harm by performing non-evidence-based procedures without appropriate justification.
Moreover, he breached patient confidentiality standards by improperly handling sensitive medical images and sharing private health information without consent. Regulations governing medical records and privacy were also violated, along with the misrepresentation of services offered.
Continued Non-Compliance
- Dr. Maharaj had previously undertaken to cease non-compliant procedures but failed to do so.
- Misrepresented his qualifications, claiming to be a surgeon without proper certification.
Between 2003 and 2024, the Ontario College repeatedly addressed his documentation and consent issues. Despite multiple warnings and mandates for continuing education, Dr. Maharaj did not modify his practice adequately, leading to enhanced scrutiny.
Consequences and Future Implications
The tribunal concluded that the extreme nature of Dr. Maharaj’s misconduct warranted the revocation of his medical license. He is required to pay $6,000 in costs by February 27, 2024.
In addition to losing his medical license, Dr. Maharaj faces criminal charges for negligence causing bodily harm, which were filed by Toronto police on June 17. The current status of these charges remains unclear.
This ruling stresses the importance of maintaining medical standards and protecting patient safety, emphasizing the need for informed consent and evidence-based medical practices in healthcare.
