August 5, 2008
Dr. Follows, Jonathan Mark
Victoria, BC
When reporting this release, it is requested that the name and location of the physician be provided in full in order to
avoid confusion with other physicians who may have a similar name or initials.
VANCOUVER, BC, August 5, 2008: Following the issuance of disciplinary charges, Dr. Jonathan Mark Follows
has admitted that he was guilty of unprofessional conduct in that, during medical attendances in or about
August, 2004, November, 2004 and March, 2005, he inappropriately touched a patient in a sexual manner. The
patient had initially contacted the College, but subsequently did not pursue a complaint and was not available
to participate in the College’s processes. Dr. Follows voluntarily approached the College and made admissions
of unprofessional conduct, thereby allowing the College to take disciplinary action. Dr. Follows had already
taken steps to restrict his practice and to seek assistance in addressing his misconduct. In considering these
mitigating circumstances, the College imposed the following penalty:
(a) Erasure from the Medical Register and transfer to the Temporary Register, effective 2400 hours July 18,
2008.
(b) Suspension from the practice of medicine for a period of 6 months, commencing July 18, 2008, and
ending January 18, 2009. Three months of the suspension will be stayed if all terms and conditions are
met.
(c) Prior to return to practice, and at his cost:
ƒ participation in assessments and counselling and provision of reports acceptable to the
College; and
ƒ interview by the Executive Committee or Council of the College to further assess and
determine the conditions of future registration.
(d) Upon return to practice, unless otherwise authorized by the Executive Committee or Council:
ƒ practise in a setting approved in writing by the College;
ƒ notification to all physician and clinical staff at the location(s) of practice, of the terms and
conditions of his practice in a form acceptable to the College;
ƒ mentorship with a physician approved in writing by the College, and provision of reports
acceptable to the College; and
ƒ monitoring of his practice by the College.
Dr. Follows’ future professional conduct must be beyond reproach in every respect.
Morris VanAndel, MD
Registrar
For more information/media inquiries:
Susan Prins
604-733-7758, ext. 2248