Dr. Jean-Claude Dufresne may lose his license
Author: Alexandra Roy
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The Collège des médecins du Québec may permanently suspend the medical license of Laval resident Jean-Claude Dufresne for committing sexual infractions of their professional code of conduct.

In front of the audience at a public hearing yesterday the investigator from the Collège des médecins and Dr. Jean-Claude Dufresne presented their pleas in front of the disciplinary Committee. A decision will be rendered within a few months to decide whether the doctor can continue to practice his profession.

In October 2006, the practitioner was found guilty under the Criminal Code of having sex with and sexually touching a minor. The victim decided to bring her claim in 2005, almost 20 years after the incidents began.

In a report it was established that the doctor used tenderness and affection to manipulate his victim. "I abused the vulnerability of the victim. I regret my acts enormously, but I am now suited to practice in completely good faith," said Dufresne.

The doctor is currently in therapy to learn how to control his sexual deviancy. To assure respect for the privacy of the victim, her identity could not be revealed.

Dignity of the profession at risk

The prosecutor for the Collège des médecins Jacques Prévost said that the biggest issue involved is the dignity of the profession that is at stake.

The prosecutor said that whatever the disciplinary committee decides, its decision will have an effect on public opinion and that therefore the decision must honor Quebec's doctors. He recommended that the doctor be removed from the professional order for good.

"Not only does he (Dr. Jean-Claude Dufresne) constitute a risk for his patients, but he dishonors the profession. His right to practice his profession is not more important than the protection of the general public. His behavior is unacceptable, especially for a doctor. We cannot accept a doctor that practices without the fundamental values of judgment," he said.

"I hope you will be severe"

Dr. Dufresne obtained his license to practice medicine in 1978. He practiced as a generalist for 20 years before settling in Laval in 1999. At that time he joined his wife in practicing cosmetic surgery at their private clinic located at 3671 Blvd. Dagenais in Fabreville.

While waiting for the committee's decision, Dufresne will remain in custody at the Montée St-François detention centre.

If his license is removed, he will lose it for life and will no longer be able to practice medicine. If he is able to continue practicing, he says he will abandon general medicine to practice geriatric care in Laval. "There is a huge demand in senior's residences. There are also still many people without family doctors. By doing that I won't be in contact with minors, and can keep the public reassured," he said.

He also plans to continue to offer cosmetic care at his private clinic where he treats only adult clientele.

The hearing for his conditional release will take place in May 2008. If he is not set free, his imprisonment will end in January 2009. His cosmetic surgery clinic is currently still operating under the charge of his wife and another doctor.

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