Doctor on rape charges

©iStockphoto/StanRohrer

A GP has faced Ipswich Magistrates Court accused of raping a female patient at a doctors' surgery.

The doctor appeared in court yesterday on two counts of rape, allegedly committed against a 34-year-old woman in a consulting room on two separate occasions.

Police have appealed for any other alleged victims to come forward.

In an application for bail, defence lawyer Simon Trewavas said his client vigorously denied the charges.

The court heard the defendant, who works as a doctor at a surgery west of Ipswich, had no criminal history.

Neither the doctor nor the surgery can be identified for legal reasons.

Mr Trewavas said the doctor was willing to surrender his passport as part of his bail conditions, but would be required to travel interstate to complete medical training.

The defendant's parents and wife sat in the back of the court during the bail application.

It was understood the complainant had been seeing the doctor for treatment for several weeks before the alleged rape took place.

The woman complained to police four days after the second alleged incident on October 12.

Last night the Medical Board of Queensland said it was considering suspending the doctor.

Medical board chairman Dr Mary Cohn said the public needed to be reminded and reassured that sexual harassment should never occur between doctors and their patients.

“Any exploitation of a relationship between a doctor and patient for sexual gratification is a clear abuse of power and will not be tolerated,” Dr Cohn said.

“It is completely unacceptable in every instance.”

Magistrate Virginia Sturgess granted bail on the condition that the accused surrender his passport and that he obtain permission before travelling interstate.

He must also report to police once a week.

The case was adjourned until December 2.