Dr. Bradley Jack Stewart sanctioned for inappropriate behaviour with patient

Edmonton, AB – Edmonton neurologist Dr. Bradley Jack Stewart was found guilty of unprofessional conduct by a CPSA Hearing Tribunal, for failing to maintain a professional relationship with a patient.

Dr. Stewart was accused of violating appropriate boundaries between 2011 and 2013, which included sending a patient improper text messages and emails, and providing personal gifts. After initially receiving the complaint in 2016, CPSA placed conditions on Dr. Stewart’s practice permit requiring a chaperone for all clinical encounters with female patients (these conditions remain in place). The patient also contacted law enforcement and CPSA’s investigation was put on hold pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings—sexual assault charges against Dr. Stewart were dismissed in late 2021.

The Hearing Tribunal found that Dr. Stewart’s conduct violated CPSA’s standards on sexual boundaries and that he was guilty of unprofessional conduct. While there was a joint submission that there should be a six-month suspension of his practice permit, the Hearing Tribunal heard arguments from the parties on whether Dr. Stewart should be allowed to serve his suspension in two-week segments separated by two-week segments in which he could practice. The Hearing Tribunal determined that the suspension was to be served over six consecutive months. The Hearing Tribunal also ordered that:

• The conditions currently in effect on Dr. Stewart’s practice permit will remain in place when he resumes practising.
• Dr. Stewart is responsible for 75 per cent of the costs of the investigation and hearing.

As Dr. Stewart’s conduct occurred prior to the implementation of An Act to Protect Patients, mandatory sanctions under that legislation do not apply. Dr. Stewart was sanctioned by a different CPSA Hearing Tribunal in 2021, for failing to abide by the conditions on his practice permit that were a result of this complaint.

Resources:
CPSA Hearing Tribunal decision
CPSA media release (Dec. 14, 2021)
CPSA Hearing Tribunal decision (2021)