Nevada accepts surrender of license by patient-sex psychiatrist

November 30, 2007

November 30, 2007: The Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners accepted the voluntary surrender of psychiatrist Gilles Desmarais' license to practice medicine. In March 1995, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine revoked his right to renew his license in that state (he had allowed it to lapse after leaving the state in 1985). The Massachusetts Board found Dr. Desmarais engaged in misconduct by beginning a sexual relationship with a patient. Desmarais, who was married at the time, advised his wife that he was going to leave her and marry his patient. His wife committed suicide and state documents say Desmarais moved his patient into his home that same evening. As a result of the Massachusetts action, the Arizona Board of Medical Examiners took action against Dr. Desmarais, for behavior that "was not just unprofessional but unconscionable." Desmarais surrendered his Arizona license in December 1995.