One of Perth’s best physicians quit in disgrace after an affair that began in a consultation room.
Dr. Nicholas Forgione, 72, had a five-year affair with a female patient and announced his retirement in 2019.
The State Administrative Tribunal banned Dr. Forgione from practising medicine for four years and ordered him to pay $11,000 in expenses.
The mother originally saw Dr. Forgione in 1992 as a GP about her pregnancy, mental health, and son’s health.
Since then, she’s had over 100 visits with Dr. Forgione, including breast exams, anti-depressant prescriptions, and psychologist referrals.
During a session for a chest ailment in September 2012, the patient informed Dr. Forgione about her troubled marriage.
The patient played an Italian CD and requested Dr. Forgione to interpret it before kissing her.
“(Forgione) urged the patient to get on the floor, and they had sexual relations on the floor and consultation table,” the judgement said.
Dr. Forgione and the patient had more sexual interactions at a medical center’s consulting rooms until February 2018.
They slept at a hotel, went shopping, and exchanged’sexual and/or improper text messages and emails’
Dr. Fargione handed the lady $50 to $700 for food, clothing, flights, concert tickets, and presents.
The Medical Board of Australia investigated Dr. Forgione’s misbehaviour in 2019 and revoked his registration.
Mr. Forgione announced his retirement in December.
In its judgement, the tribunal considered Dr. Forgione’s intestinal cancer and other mitigating considerations.
Dr. Forgione engaged in’serious sexual misconduct’ that’strikes to the core of the doctor-patient relationship’
The tribunal acknowledged Dr. Forgione’s 45-year medical experience as head of Emergency Services at Princess Margaret Hospital and Medical Administrator at Royal Perth Hospital.
Dr. Forgione advised Diabetes WA Primary Care Group, Notre Dame University, and Curtin University’s Clinical Research Centre.