Dr Daniel Ghougassian – Medical practitioner – Reprimand and conditions for unsatisfactory professional conduct

11 January 2022

The Health Care Complaints Commission prosecuted a complaint against neurologist Dr Daniel Ghougassian before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

It was alleged that in 2018, while practising from his private rooms in Sydney, he inappropriately interviewed a 13 year old girl (Person X) who was the daughter of a Patient (Patient A) and photographed her legs, and on another occasion videoed her in a state of undress, all without the knowledge and consent of her parents.  

Separately, the Commission alleged that on two separate occasions in 2003-2004 Dr Ghougassian filmed a then 18 year old patient (Patient B) in a state of undress without confirming that the patient understood the consent form he asked her to sign for the video or affording her privacy. The Commission also alleged that on about 10-18 occasions from 2003 - 2009 Dr Ghougassian asked the patient to undress and undertook pin prick examinations of the patient’s breasts under her bra.

The Commission further alleged that Dr Ghougassian’s record keeping for both matters above breached the standard required by the regulations.

On 29 October 2021, the Tribunal found Ghougassian guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct.  The Tribunal found the majority of the allegations proven, other than those relating to offering Patient B privacy and informing her of the purpose of the videos.

In its orders determined on 24 December 2021, the Tribunal reprimanded Dr Ghougassian and imposed conditions on his practise.

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 02 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.