Podiatrist suspended and reprimanded for practising while unregistered

19 Jan 2023

A tribunal has reprimanded and suspended a podiatrist for practising while unregistered, and not holding professional indemnity insurance (PII).

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the tribunal) found Mr Stephen McMurray had engaged in professional misconduct by practising as a podiatrist for five years while knowing he was not registered. Mr McMurray also knew his practice was not covered by PII during this period.

Mr McMurray self-reported to the Podiatry Board of Australia (the Board) in November 2017 and stopped practising; he was granted registration again five months later. During the hearing, Mr McMurray apologised for his conduct and described it as ‘a ridiculous mistake’.

In making its decision, the tribunal noted the two key considerations were the protection of the public and the reputation of the profession. The tribunal considered Mr McMurray’s personal situation but noted this only goes so far in all circumstances. The tribunal also took Mr McMurray’s remorse and cooperation with the Board into account.

Noting Mr McMurray’s conduct was at the more serious end of the scale, the tribunal suspended him for a period of six months. Mr McMurray was also reprimanded, and conditions placed on his registration which will be reviewed in four years.

Read the tribunal’s full decision on the AustLII website.

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