The offending happened on five occasions, with five different women. The first incident was in 2016, and in September 2018 there was a “cluster” of assaults over a period of eight days. Dr Hong’s actions caused “immense harm” to the victims involved, the tribunal heard. The sentencing judge noted that one victim been abused as a child and Dr Hong’s assault caused her to become suicidal and have a breakdown.
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The offending took place in the guise of treatment, the tribunal heard. Lawyer for the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) Anita Miller said his actions clearly reflect adversely on his fitness to practice.
Counsel for the Professional Conduct Committee, Dr Jonathan Coates, said the GP became the family doctor, also treating the woman’s husband and children. The first “warning sign” of boundaries being crossed was around 2016 when the doctor contacted the patient to ask if she wanted to take part in a practice scenario for giving CPR. She declined, but he sent her a voucher as a thank-you gesture regardless. After a consultation where the GP and the patient had discussed the importance of exercise, the doctor texted her to arrange going for a walk together. Around late 2017, the GP became aware he had romantic feelings for the patient. He called her and requested that she see other doctors at the practice as he was attracted to her. She agreed to do so.