Expert witness critical of Cape Breton gynecologist
Dr. Manivasan Moodley, a gynecologist practicing in Cape Breton and Antigonish, is under scrutiny for alleged professional misconduct. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia initiated a hearing into three complaints against him, with expert testimony from Dr. Joshua Pulsky shedding light on the issues at hand.
In the first complaint, a woman expressed her explicit wishes to avoid an episiotomy unless her baby’s life was in danger. However, Pulsky’s analysis indicated that the procedure was unnecessary as the baby was not at risk. Moodley’s reliance on misleading statistics to justify his actions raised concerns about his decision-making process.
The second case involved a high-risk pregnancy where a woman’s concerns of labor were dismissed by Moodley. Despite the persistence of pain, he failed to consider the possibility of labor, resulting in premature birth and health complications for the child.
A third complaint centered around a young woman seeking a tubal ligation for birth control. Moodley dissuaded her from the procedure, infringing upon her autonomy in making reproductive choices. Pulsky highlighted the violation of the patient’s rights in this instance.
During cross-examination, Moodley’s lawyer challenged Pulsky’s objectivity, pointing out discrepancies in the women’s accounts. Despite these revelations, the hearing faces scheduling challenges, with testimonies from Moodley and final arguments from legal representatives expected to be postponed.
The hearing underscores the importance of patient-centric care and informed decision-making in the medical field. Moodley’s alleged shortcomings serve as a reminder of the critical need for healthcare professionals to uphold ethical standards and prioritize patient well-being above all else.
