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Doctor Filming Patients Secretly Under Investigation
29 May
Summary
- Surgeon investigated for allegedly filming patients without consent.
- Clinic consultation room had an un-disclosed security camera.
- Investigations by medical college and privacy commissioner launched.
An investigation is underway into a Toronto plastic surgeon suspected of filming patients without their consent. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and the province's privacy commissioner are examining the situation following a hidden camera discovery. This camera was found in a consultation room at the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute, owned by Dr. Martin Jugenburg.
During a consultation, undercover producers for Marketplace noted the presence of a security camera. Clinic staff offered explanations ranging from 'doctor's record' to 'security for protection.' However, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Brian Beamish, called this 'unacceptable' and a potential breach of privacy law, emphasizing the need for informed, voluntary consent.
Unlike other clinics that use cameras for documented medical teaching with explicit patient consent, Jugenburg's clinic did not offer this option. Dr. Jugenburg, also known as Dr. 6ix, is recognized for sharing surgical videos online. His staff stated content is only posted with consent, but any recording without explicit patient agreement is problematic.
Further concerns involve how footage is stored, accessed, and secured, with Jugenburg having previously mentioned reviewing 'entire consultations.' The privacy commissioner plans a follow-up investigation. Dr. Jugenburg faces a separate disciplinary hearing concerning prior advertising misconduct allegations, with a hearing date set for July 2019.
