Dr Edward Renzhong Gao – Medical Practitioner – Unsatisfactory Professional Conduct and Professional Misconduct

8 July 2022

The Health Care Complaints Commission prosecuted a complaint against Dr Edward Renzhong Gao before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (‘the Tribunal’).

It was alleged that between 2 October 2018 and 29 April 2019, while working at Wallis Street Medical Centre Forster, Dr Gao:

1. Inappropriately touched a patient’s breasts after a breast examination, while discussing breast reduction surgery
2. Inappropriately commented to the patient about cosmetic benefits of a breast reduction
3. Acted inappropriately toward the patient before undertaking a genital examination, including failing to offer a chaperone and to provide enough information for the patient to provide informed consent
4. Failed to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with the patient, by certain inappropriate and unwelcome acts
5. Failed to record information relevant to the patient’s diagnosis or treatment

In its decision of 6 July 2022, the Tribunal found the majority of the complaint proven. The Tribunal was not satisfied that Dr Gao acted inappropriately while conducting a breast examination, or that he engaged in inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature contrary to the relevant professional guidelines. The Tribunal found that Dr Gao was guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct.

The Tribunal will determine protective orders following a further (Stage 2) hearing.

The full decision can be found here: NSW Caselaw.

Further Information

For further information, contact the Executive Officer of the Health Care Complaints Commission, on 9219 7444 or send an email to media@hccc.nsw.gov.au.

The information in this media release is correct at the time of publication. Orders may change; for example, conditions may no longer apply. For current information regarding the status of a registered health practitioner, including any conditions that currently apply, please check the National Register at www.ahpra.gov.au.