Ontario Neurosurgeon Suspended Following Review of Decision-Making Deficiencies
In a significant ruling, an Ontario neurosurgeon, Stefan Joseph Konasiewicz, has been suspended for six months due to serious deficiencies in his decision-making and patient care. This decision follows a review that highlighted alleged medical misconduct related to patient treatments at his clinics located in Toronto, Hamilton, and Newmarket.
Background of the Case
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) issued the suspension on February 9, 2024, after investigating Konasiewicz’s practices. Previously, in 2022, he underwent a year of medical supervision due to separate allegations of professional incompetence.
Findings from the Review
During a CPSO assessment, it was found that Konasiewicz fell short of the standard practice in 12 out of 15 patient cases. Concerns included:
- Failure to adjust treatment plans based on patient responses.
- Repeated nerve-block injections without evidence of their effectiveness.
- Significant lapses in clinical skills across multiple patients.
Although none of the 15 patients suffered injury, the review indicated a “lack of judgment, skill, or knowledge” in handling their cases. Specific techniques employed, such as performing sciatic nerve blocks inappropriately, raised alarms about his competency.
Incident Leading to Suspension
In a grave incident that prompted a separate investigation, Konasiewicz administered nerve blocks to a 70-year-old patient, referred to as “Patient A,” who ultimately collapsed and died. This patient had a pre-existing cardiac condition.
Investigators determined that Konasiewicz’s injection techniques did not adhere to established medical standards, which posed serious risks to patient safety. Specifically, the injections were wrongly aimed at the spinal canal, leading to an “inadvertent intrathecal injection of local anesthetics.”
Consequences and Further Actions
No criminal charges have been reported against Konasiewicz following the patient’s death. The CPSO has emphasized that his decision-making and clinical techniques were critically flawed.
In light of these findings, Konasiewicz has been barred from performing similar injections and was notified of a breach after a patient claimed he continued to administer those shots. A suspension was officially issued on May 12, 2025.
Upon the completion of his six-month suspension, Konasiewicz will be required to appear before the CPSO panel for further reprimand. Additionally, he must hire a clinical supervisor at his own cost for a year after his suspension ends to ensure compliance with professional standards.
The CPSO’s actions reflect their commitment to upholding patient safety and maintaining medical standards within the healthcare system.
