A former neurologist in Kitchener, Ont., will not be able to return to his practice after he was acquitted on 48 counts of sexual assault.
On Friday, Jeffrey ‘Scott’ Sloka was found not guilty of sexually assaulting dozens of his female patients between 2010 and 2017.
During the four-and-a-half-year trial, court heard complainants describe receiving vaginal exams, breast exams, or exams of other intimate areas during appointments for neurological concerns. Justice Craig Parry ruled he was satisfied there was a valid medical reason for the examinations Sloka performed at his clinic.
Restrictions were placed on Sloka’s practice in September 2017 after two patients filed complaints with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). They said signs had to be posted throughout Sloka’s office that indicated he could not be left alone with patients.
In 2019, the college revoked Sloka’s medical license after a no contest plea to the allegations was laid out in a disciplinary hearing. Later that year, police laid criminal charges in the case.
On Saturday, a CPSO spokesperson confirmed that while Sloka was acquitted of the criminal charges against him, disciplinary proceedings within the college are separate.
“In this case, a court’s verdict does not change Dr. Sloka’s registration status with the College,” a spokesperson told CTV News, adding that the college’s discipline tribunal found that Sloka “committed acts of professional misconduct.”
According to the CPSO physician register, Sloka’s member status is listed as inactive and his license was revoked on April 30, 2019.
“Effective that same date, Dr. Sloka also agreed never to apply or reapply for registration as a physician in Ontario or any other jurisdiction,” the spokesperson added.
With files from CTV News’ Krista Simpson and Jennifer Baker
