Scandal involving Viennese gynecologists: Patients complain about abuse!

Scandal involving Viennese gynecologists: Patients complain about abuse!

A Viennese gynecologist is currently under public criticism because numerous patients have complained about his behavior. These allegations range from inappropriate treatment and lack of information to attempts at intimidation. The Magazine My district has pointed out the serious grievances recorded by the investigative platform “Dossier”. Patients report disrespectful treatment and medically questionable statements from the doctor, who is said to have even advised them to consult ChatGPT or Google if they had any questions about laboratory findings.

In addition, one affected person says that she received a referral for an abortion without being spoken to personally. Such experiences are alarming and raise questions about the standard of patient care.

Violations and Repeated Complaints

The gynecologist's case is not new, as the doctor was already criticized in 2013 for his threatening action to sue dissatisfied patients because of negative online reviews. He was also fined 10,000 euros by the data protection authority in 2023 because he improperly made a patient's medical diagnosis public. The Austrian Medical Association (ÖÄK) has also received information and complaints about his behavior for years.

The situation came to a head in 2023 when the Vienna Regional Criminal Court informed the ÖÄK about the doctor's physical and mental abuse of his daughter. These allegations were ultimately decided with a payment of 20,000 euros in damages against the doctor. Although the allegations are piling up, the gynecologist is still considered innocent under criminal law.

Reactions and measures

Patient advocate Gerhard Jelinek sharply criticizes the ÖÄK for its inadequate measures to maintain trust in the medical profession. The former patient advocate Sigrid Pilz also confirmed that complaints against this gynecologist were repeatedly received. The Vienna Patient Advocate (WPPA) also complains that no information about the outcome of disciplinary proceedings is passed on to patients.

The Ministry of Health responded immediately to the newly emerged revelations and requested the doctor's disciplinary files from the Medical Association. Despite this criticism and the ongoing audits, the doctor remains active in his statutory health insurance practice for the time being.

Where can those affected go?

Patients who would like to file complaints against doctors have various contact points. A simple way is to file a complaint with the relevant medical association in the state, such as healthy.bund.de describes. These bodies are responsible for independently investigating complaints and possibly taking consequent action. They also help you prepare for legal proceedings if necessary. Statutory health insurance companies and private health insurance companies can also offer support, especially in the event of medical errors.

At a time when trust in the medical profession is fragile, clear and transparent procedures for dealing with such complaints are essential. After all, data protection and trust are the cornerstones of functioning healthcare. This is the only way to protect the rights of patients and improve the quality of medical treatment.