Regina doctor charged with 4 counts of sexual assault against female patients

A Regina doctor is facing four counts of sexual assault stemming from four alleged incidents involving female patients.

Sylvester Ukabam, 73, is a gastroenterologyspecialistworking in downtown Regina.

Regina police say the charges against the doctor stem from a "lengthy investigation," which began with a woman coming forward with an allegation of sexual assault in 2017.

"An adult female alleged her doctor sexually assaulted her, under the pretence of conducting a physical examination, in spite of her protests that the so-called examination was unnecessary and unwanted," police said in a news release circulated Friday.

Police said an investigator learned that three other women had similarallegations against the doctor "with another authority," withincidents dating back to 2012.

College says it was working with police

Bryan Salte, legal counsel with Saskatchewan's College of Physicians and Surgeons,said four patients complained to the regulatory body. He said the collegewas working with police on the issue.

He recalled encouraging at least one complainant to contact police, saying the college will do so if there are concerns allegations against a physician could be criminal.

"It's always unfortunate when there's enough evidence to justify a charge of unprofessional conduct against a physician or a charge of criminal conduct against a physician," Salte said.

"It's not helpful to the image of the profession."

Doctor resigned before professional investigations were complete

Even though four patients complained to the college, itformally laid two charges of unprofessional conduct against Ukabamfor the alleged sexual touching of two patients.

In October, the college and the doctor struck an agreement.Ukabam agreed to relinquishhis medical licence and never practice medicine again effective December 9 in order for his patients to have time to find other options.

In exchange for resigning, the collegeagreed not to proceedwith its investigation into the filed charges orare those that were underway, leaving some incomplete.

Criminal charges don't change resignation date

Saltesaid Friday that nothing will change about doctor's resignation datein light of criminal charges being laid. He said the doctor has agreed to several measures, including not toperform physical examinations on female patients.

"From our perspective we have done all that we can to ensure that there's nothing that may happen that's improper in relation to his practice until his practice winds down," said Salte.

"There are a number of patients here who will have considerable difficulty finding another gasteonlogist."

The regulatory body says Ukabamdidnot admitto the unprofessional conduct , nor has it been proved through the course of a disciplinary hearing.

Police arrested Ukabam on Thursday without incident and released him.

His first court appearance is schedule for December 31 at 9:30 a.m. CST