Doctor B

This is a fictional case study. This doctor, suffering from bi-polar disorder, was referred to the GMC by his employer, after concerns about his interactions with patients and self prescribing.

Doctor B was referred to the GMC by his employer after concerns that he was inappropriate in his dealings with patients and colleagues and late to work.

On one occasion which led to the GMC becoming involved, the doctor shouted at a patient during a consultation and walked out without telling anyone, leaving the distressed patient unaccompanied in the surgery.

The doctor had a health assessment and was found to be suffering from bi-polar disorder.

Decision makers reviewed the report which was produced by the health examiners and found that the doctor had some insight into his health issue. They decided to ask the doctor if he was willing to voluntarily agree to the restrictions on his registration that we felt were necessary to protect the public.

The GMC drafted a voluntary agreement (undertakings) for the doctor to consider with his solicitor. After a short period of reflection, the doctor agreed.

This meant that he was able to continue working, provided that he remained under the care of a treating psychiatrist, took prescribed medication and refrained from self-prescribing. He also agreed to keep his professional commitments under review in accordance with advice from his medical supervisor, and to cease work immediately if advised to do so.

Six months later, at a review meeting, the medical supervisor reported that he had heard from the treating psychiatrist that Doctor B was responding well to treatment, and the restrictions on his practice were reduced so that he could take on additional work.