Sex won’t Help! Young woman who was sexually assaulted by her doctor speaks out

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

When you think about doctors, many of us think about them as indispensable members of society who contribute to the health, well-being, and advancement of medical science. Their roles extend far beyond treating illnesses. They have a commitment to act in the best interests of their patients and to provide care that maximizes their well-being. They promise to “do no harm” and to avoid actions that could potentially harm their patients. Finally, there is the commitment to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct, honesty, and integrity in all interactions with patients and colleagues.

Doctors have a professional and ethical responsibility to provide care and support to their patients while prioritizing their well-being and best interests. This includes not taking advantage of their patients in any way, whether financially, emotionally, or in any other aspect. Medical professionals are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and professionalism in their interactions with patients.

These are all expected, but what happens when this does not happen, and when you as a patient begin questioning the actions of your doctor?

This is the case with a young lady who reached out to us with a story so heinous, and disturbing, that while listening to her I myself got very emotional.

For the sake of privacy, we are going to call the young lady in the story M. In 2018, M was sexually abused by an Egyptian doctor at a Brampton Clinic. She reports that she was ill and required medical care from a specialist, but she was never referred to a specialist. Instead, she claims that she was held like a hostage for four months by this doctor and others in the clinic.

“I was very afraid to speak, or report to the police. I am a single mother, and they have the power to call the Children’s Aid Society to declare me mentally unstable to look after my kids,” M shares with a shaking voice.

“At this moment I am the only one speaking out and I am sure there are other female patients who have been sexually abused by this doctor. I am currently ill, and I need help to find other females who had this horrible experience. This doctor left town, and now he is practicing medicine in the Niagara Region.

“Simone,” she continued. “I am reaching out to your newspaper hoping you can write my story, and this will inspire other victims to tell their experience. I discovered there are other doctors who will trick female patients to have sex with them by making them believe their condition can be helped by having sex. I want to share this with others, hoping other females can learn from my experience and will not become a victim. These doctors abuse their power and harm their patients.”

Now, when this was first brought to me, I told M that I had to be mindful of this story because these are pretty heavy accusations to place on an individual. It wasn’t until a couple weeks later that I was given all the proof I needed to assist M in warning women that they must be mindful.

The said doctor is Dr. Boutros Mikhail (51 years). On October 20^th, 2022, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to the Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) received a report of a belated sexual assault involving a family physician in the City of Welland. Investigation had determined an alleged sexual assault occurred on October 12^th, 2022, at a Family Medical Practice located at 188 East Main Street, in the City of Welland.

On February 3^rd, 2023, Doctor Boutros Mikhail of Oakville, was arrested and charged with one count of sexual assault, contrary to section 271 of the Criminal Code of Canada. He has since been released on a Form 10 Undertaking and was scheduled to attend court on April 28^th, 2023, at 102 East Main Street, in the City of Welland.

As this incident involves a physician, notification of his arrest has been made by detectives to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

The circumstances surrounding this incident have led detectives to suspect there may be additional complainants. Individuals and witnesses with further information are encouraged to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009504.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.

M had this to share with readers, especially young women, “Just because they are doctors, it doesn’t mean that they won’t do anything wrong. Always seek out a second opinion, and if something doesn’t feel right during a visit to your doctor’s office, talk to someone about it.”