A retired Brisbane doctor is facing disciplinary proceedings over allegations he performed unnecessary medical examinations, failed to maintain professional boundaries and inappropriately kissed a patient.

The Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) has lodged 25 allegations of professional misconduct against former general practitioner Stellios (Stan) Theodoros in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). The alleged misconduct involves seven female patients between 2002 and 2015.

OHO claims Dr Theodoros carried out pap smears, breast checks and pelvic examinations that were not clinically indicated or reasonably required. He is also accused of failing to keep adequate medical records, exchanging text messages with patients, and in one case asking a woman to strip naked for a breast and skin check after a pap smear.

One patient, Beverley Glen* told the ABC she initially trusted Dr Theodoros but grew uncomfortable over time.

“One time, he was doing a breast check and said, ‘they’re very soft breasts’. I remember thinking, ‘that’s odd’,” she said. “I feel violated, I do.”

She said she later learned her frequent pap smears were not necessary and recalled being asked to come in before business hours for additional exams.

Another patient, Charlotte White*, said her treatment continued well beyond medical guidelines despite negative biopsy results.

“The high frequency of pap smears continued beyond the recommended timeframe, and the examinations became more invasive,” she said.

“You just trust your doctor.”

Doctor disputes claims but admits to record-keeping issues

According to tribunal documents, Dr Theodoros does not deny that the examinations took place, that some medical records were incomplete, or that he texted patients. However, he disputes whether the procedures lacked medical justification and whether professional boundaries were crossed.

He retired in 2021 and surrendered his registration in 2022.

The OHO first received a complaint in 2015. The Medical Board of Australia imposed conditions on his registration in 2016, requiring a chaperone for female patients and banning him from performing gynaecological procedures. He voluntarily stopped seeing female patients before retiring.

Patients remain frustrated that he was allowed to continue practising during the years-long investigation. “A couple of conditions were slapped on him, and then it’s ignored for years,” Beverley said.

Charlotte added: “At the time, I did not fully appreciate the extent of the problem or limits of [the regulator’s] powers. I may have taken further action if I had known.”

QCAT member David Reid ruled last year that the matter should proceed, noting that “the detection and punishment of doctors who engage in misconduct does have the effect of promoting the safe and competent conduct of all practitioners”.

The hearing continues.

*Names have been changed.