Australian psychiatrist Gary V. Persley suspended for sexual relationship with patient

February 23, 2009

The Health Practitioners Tribunal of Queensland (Australia) suspended psychiatrist Gary Vincent Persley for three months for “unsatisfactory professional conduct.” According to documents made public by the Medical Board of Queensland, Dr. Persley treated a female patient “for some two years and three months. After his treatment ceased, the parties formed a sexual relationship over some nine years from 1997 to 2006.” The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Code of Ethics prohibits any sexual relationship with a former patient. The record of suspension is to remain on the register for a period of three years. Persley is ordered to pay the Board for the cost of the investigation and hearing and is ordered to not conduct individual psychotherapy with female patients until further order.

(Medical Board of Queensland v Persley [2009] QHPT 001 (08/2117) Brisb Forde DCJ 23/02/2009.)