Arabic version: طبيب عام في أديلايد يُفصل بسبب سوء السلوك المتعلق بالعلاج بالليزر

Adelaide GP Mark Rogers has been disqualified from seeking re-registration as a medical practitioner for 18 months due to professional misconduct. According to ABC News, a tribunal found that Rogers exhibited a “blatant disregard” for previous orders and regulations governing his practice.

The South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal reviewed multiple allegations against Dr. Rogers, which included failing to provide good patient care, failing to disclose a potential conflict of interest, and making false and misleading statements to authorities. He was also accused of engaging in financial and commercial dealings with a patient and breaching commitments made to the Medical Board of Australia.

Dr. Rogers, who has over 30 years of experience as a general practitioner, was known for promoting low-level laser therapy (LLLT). He previously faced disciplinary action in 2019, which included a two-month suspension and a ban on offering LLLT services. During the tribunal proceedings, it was revealed that he had continued to discuss LLLT with patients despite assurances to the Medical Board that he would only answer questions in relation to LLLT in “general terms”.

The tribunal’s ruling noted that Dr. Rogers recognized his “unhealthy obsession” with LLLT and expressed regret for the impact it had on his career and personal life. Although he acknowledged his past misconduct, the tribunal found him to lack credibility as a witness, indicating that he was aware of his actions despite previous sanctions.

His registration has been officially cancelled, and he is prohibited from providing any health services, including as a volunteer, for 18 months. The tribunal did note that Dr. Rogers’s mental health had significantly improved since 2020 and that he was successfully managing his bipolar disorder, posing no risk to the public going forward.