Red flags over psychiatrist's work led to fraud allegations

The medical worker allegedly stole a US doctor's identity and became registered as a psychiatrist in the Waikato. Photo / Thinkstock

The medical worker who allegedly stole a US doctor's identity and became registered as a psychiatrist in the Waikato region was finally caught out when a supervisor questioned his work.

New Zealand Medical Council spokeswoman Stephanie Crush said today that red flags were raised when a psychiatrist supervising the doctor asked questions regarding competency in his work. Exactly what work failings were questioned is unknown.

The Medical Council has said the review process for registration is thorough and the doctor went through the same system as any other applicant.

The correct qualification and identification records - in this case a passport and references proving five years of practice - were all handed over.

Additionally, a Medical Council agent met the man before he commenced practice, checked all originals of his documentation and was convinced of his legitimacy.

Medical Council chairman Andrew Connolly said the alleged fraudster appeared to have carried out a "sophisticated identity theft", duping the council, the hospital and the US medical authorities.

He said when the council rang two of the three referees who vouched for the man, they were met with disbelief that they may have provided a reference for the wrong man.

The alleged fraudster treated more than 20 patients during his time in the Waikato including vulnerable patients who had mental illness and addiction problems.

A 54-year-old man appeared in Hamilton District Court on Saturday facing numerous charges. The man had been working for the Waikato DHB as a psychiatrist.

He has been remanded in custody and will reappear in court on Monday.