Ontario Doctor Suspended Following Patient Death Amid Misconduct Investigation
An Ontario neurosurgeon, Stefan Joseph Konasiewicz, has been suspended for six months due to medical misconduct following the death of a patient during a procedure. This ruling was made by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) on February 9. Konasiewicz operates clinics in Toronto, Hamilton, and Newmarket.
Background of the Case
Previously, in 2022, Konasiewicz was under a year-long medical supervision related to allegations of professional incompetence. After this review, a CPSO-assigned assessor concluded he “failed to maintain the standard of practice in 12 of 15” patient records. The report criticized his treatment approach, indicating that he did not adjust his plans based on patient outcomes.
Patient Death Investigation
The case took a tragic turn when Konasiewicz treated a 70-year-old patient, known as “Patient A”, who had been under his care since 2015. The patient suffered from neck and shoulder pain and collapsed after a nerve-blocking procedure, ultimately leading to their death. The patient’s medical history included cardiac issues.
Findings from the Review
A separate investigation into the incident uncovered that Konasiewicz’s injection techniques did not align with accepted medical standards. Key findings included:
- Failure to confirm proper needle placement during the procedure.
- Improper techniques that posed significant risks to patient safety.
- Multiple attempts to inject the spinal canal instead of targeted areas without adequate imaging.
Consequences and Penalties
The Office of the Chief Coroner determined that Patient A experienced an inadvertent intrathecal injection, meaning the anesthetic was introduced directly into the spinal canal. Following this finding, the CPSO prohibited Konasiewicz from performing similar procedures.
Despite the suspension, a report surfaced on May 5, 2025, from another patient alleging that Konasiewicz continued administering injections. As a result, the CPSO extended his suspension on May 12 to ensure compliance with safety standards and professional conduct.
Future Requirements
Upon the reinstatement of his license, Konasiewicz will be required to:
- Appear before the CPSO panel for reprimand.
- Engage a clinical supervisor for an additional 12 months at his own cost.
This case highlights significant concerns regarding patient safety and the responsibility of medical professionals to uphold standards in their practice. The CPSO’s measures aim to promote accountability and prevent future incidents.
