'Golden boy' transplant surgeon's suspension extended
A "golden boy" transplant surgeon found to have sexually harassed female colleagues has had his eight-month suspension extended to a year.
James Gilbert worked as a senior registrar in 2008 and 2009 for Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Trust and as a consultant between 2010 and 2022, when he was sacked.
One woman said his status was the "golden boy" of the department and that he was the "be-all and end-all for transplants in Oxford".
A Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) panel found Mr Gilbert sexually harassed four women but the General Medical Council (GMC) appealed the suspension's length at the High Court on Thursday.
The GMC, supported by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA), said the eight-month suspension was "insufficient to protect the public".
Mr Justice Calver imposed a 12-month suspension, the longest possible, and said the MPTS's had erred twice at Mr Gilbert's tribunal in August.
The judge found the doctor imitating an Indian accent and telling a man "oh, when are you leaving the country now?", or words to that effect, and referring to Brexit was racist.
He also found Mr Gilbert telling a colleague "look at all that fat, this is what happens when you eat chapatti" during an organ retrieval procedure constituted harassment.
The MPTS panel had previously found that those charges were not proved.
In other claims, he reportedly said to one trainee while working in Oxford: "You're a well together girl, you must always wear matching underwear. What kind are you wearing now?"
Another trainee was allegedly asked about matching underwear, and on one occasion he reportedly stared at her and said: "I have been watching you and you're pretty perfect."
In May 2021, OUH excluded Mr Gilbert after concerns were raised but he was allowed to return six weeks later with restrictions on his practice.
An email was then sent to surgical trainees inviting them to flag up concerns, leading to Mr Gilbert's dismissal in May 2022.
Mr Justice Calver said the 12-month suspension "reflects the seriousness" of Mr Gilbert's misconduct.
He added it will also give Mr Gilbert "an adequate period to reflect upon and remediate his behaviour" but that it was "not suggested that Mr Gilbert was other than a highly competent surgeon".
Mr Gilbert told the MPTS that the disciplinary process had been "humbling, humiliating and deeply shameful".
He said he was a "different person and a fundamentally changed practitioner from the doctor whose conduct led to [the] complaints being raised" and apologised for his behaviour.
You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Surgeon suspended after sexual harassment ruling
Transplant surgeon harassed colleagues, tribunal hears
General Medical Council
Medical Practitioners Tribunals Service
HM Courts and Tribunals Service
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
GP's 'unnecessary' genital exams on male patients
A former GP conducted "unnecessary" genital examinations on nine male patients, including young teenagers, a court has heard. Gregory Manson, 56, is alleged to have carried out the exams for complaints including coughs, headaches and knee sprains. His accusers said they did not recall him wearing gloves, offering a chaperone or giving "proper explanations" for the examinations before they took place. Appearing at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, Dr Manson, of Tower Way, Canterbury, denied 18 offences of sexual assault and six of indecent assault. The court heard that he worked as a GP between 1994 and 2017, along with working as a GP trainer and programme director of GP training, and as a GP appraiser for the General Medical Council. The first complaint of sexual assault against him was filed to Canterbury Police in 2017, followed by an NHS England exercise which saw more alleged victims come forward. In a police interview, he said he had never touched a patient for improper or sexual purposes and said every examination was conducted for justified medical reasons, the court was told. Prosecuting, Jennifer Knight KC told jurors Manson also failed to document in patients' notes any potential findings or the fact such examinations had taken place at all. The first two alleged victims were brothers and both saw Manson before and after they were 16, the court heard. Both said they were told to pull down their trousers and boxer shorts during a number of examinations. Ms Knight said that the elder brother initially "assumed" this was necessary but had gradually become "uncomfortable". Their mother told investigators she never met Dr Manson when her sons were young teenagers as she would always stay in the waiting room, the court heard. Another alleged victim saw Dr Manson twice in 1999 when he was 35 and then 12 years later in 2011, each time with abdominal pain. On all three occasions, a genital examination was undertaken and, on both occasions in 1999, his underwear was removed without consent, the court heard. Dr Manson told police this had been necessary to check lymph nodes and femoral pulses in the victim's groin area. However, Ian Wall, a forensic medicine professor and GP, noted there would be no reason to do this, especially without permission. The trial continues. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Trouble sleeping? 'Moon breathing' can reduce anxiety at night, says expert
Even when you've created the perfect environment for sleep and are exhausted from a busy day, sleep can be elusive if you experience nighttime anxiety — which can include trouble relaxing, night sweats, panic attacks and increased waking during the night. But what if we told you that an ancient yogic breathing technique could be a tool in your arsenal to challenge it? Moon breathing is a term that has become more popular more recently thanks to social media platforms like TikTok. This breathing technique is focused on using your left nostril, and can lead to a range of benefits, including activating the parasympathetic nervous system (the part of our autonomic nervous system associated with relaxation), lowering the heart rate and preparing the body and mind for sleep. To explore more about what moon breathing is, exactly why it can help with nighttime anxiety and sleep, and how you can try it, we've spoken to licensed clinical psychologist specializing in sleep and trauma, and yoga teacher, Dr. Leah Kaylor Ph.D. PLLC.. "Moon breathing is a calming yogic breathwork technique rooted in ancient Indian practices of pranayama. In yogic philosophy, the left nostril is associated with lunar (moon) energy—cool, calm, and introspective," says Dr. Kaylor. It's a breathing exercise that involves inhaling slowly through your left nostril only, while keeping the right nostril closed, then exhaling through the right nostril while closing the left. A paper published in Nature exploring the changes in brain activity recorded by EEG during nasal breathing noted that, "Yogic practices suggest, and scientific evidence demonstrates, that right-nostril breathing is involved with relatively higher sympathetic activity (arousal states), while left-nostril breathing is associated with a relatively more parasympathetic activity (stress alleviating state)." "By breathing exclusively through the left nostril, this technique is thought to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and emotional ease," explains Dr. Kaylor. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) are both part of our autonomic nervous system, with research noting that the former is connected to our alert, "fight or flight," response and the latter with "rest and digest" processes, when we are in a relaxed state. "Moon breathing works by channeling breath solely through the left nostril, which is believed to stimulate the brain's right hemisphere — the part associated with calmness, intuition, and emotional regulation," says Dr. Kaylor. The benefits of this, she says, can include reducing sympathetic (stress) arousal, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Plus, moon breathing can help promote mental stillness and emotional grounding, and prepare our bodies for introspection, rest or sleep. One study looked at the effect of different yogic breathing techniques that utilise the left and right nostrils, and both, to see if they had differing effects on reaction time, heart rate and blood pressure. The researchers concluded from their results that moon breathing was among the left nostril techniques that "may induce a state of parasympathetic dominance as seen in (cardiovascular) parameters." They further noted that their findings are in line with "the traditional swara yoga concept that... the flow through left nostril (chandra nadi and ida swara) is relaxatory." Dr. Kaylor explains that moon breathing is particularly effective for pre-sleep anxiety because it: If you're experiencing regular nighttime anxiety, it's important to consult a medical professional for advice. If you want to incorporate moon breathing into your nighttime routine as a tool to combat it, Dr. Kaylor has some simple steps you can follow. The 4-7-8 method is a breathing technique that gained popularity after Dr. Andrew Weil began teaching it, and involves breathing in through your nose for a count of four, holding that breath for a count of seven, and then slowly breathing out through your mouth for a count of eight. Dr. Kaylor explains that the main difference between these two breathing techniques is that "moon breathing is through one nostril." "Moon breathing is best for highly anxious or overstimulated individuals," she says, explaining that it is "ideal for those experiencing hyperarousal or sympathetic overdrive (e.g., anxiety, racing thoughts, agitation)." Because moon breathing does not involve holding your breath, it can also be good breathing technique for those who are sensitive to breath retention, she says, or, those who find it distressing or physiologically uncomfortable. That could include people with a panic disorder or asthma. "4-7-8 is best suited for people with experience in controlled breathing or mindfulness," says Dr. Kaylor. "The extended breath-hold can feel challenging for beginners or those with respiratory sensitivity," she adds, noting that it can suit others too, including those who benefit from structure and counting, and those with sleep-onset insomnia. This is because "studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that 4-7-8 is particularly effective at quieting the mind and inducing a sleep-conducive state." Stress and anxiety are typically associated with higher levels of cortisol, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Cortisol is also the sleep hormone associated with making us feel awake and alert, which means that when it's increased, sleep will be more difficult. However, a review of studies looking at the effects of breathing exercises found "that breathing exercises have positive effect on decreasing the blood pressure and heart rate." Dr. Kaylor says, deep breathing can also help to "release physical tension in the body, particularly in the shoulders, chest, and jaw." And, in giving our brains something simple and rhythmic to focus on, deep breathing techniques can "interrupt cognitive rumination." Deep breathing has even been shown to increase melatonin production, the hormone our bodies produce in the evening and which helps us to feel sleepy. One study found that a group of 15 participants who practiced deep breathing alongside meditation and yogic postures for a period of three months saw an increase in plasma melatonin (which is the concentration of melatonin in our blood). In addition, Dr. Kaylor explains that deep breathing can "reduce cortisol levels, allowing melatonin to rise naturally." As well as helping you drift off in a calmer state, it can also help your overall sleep. Research showed that when a group of students practiced moon breathing for four weeks it 'led to improvement in sleep quality." Deep breathing is an incredibly affective way of activating our parasympathetic nervous system, creating a sense of calm and relaxation needed for sleep. Slower, deeper breaths into your diaphragm, "increases the pressure of oxygen in the air sacs, making it easier for oxygen molecules to move into the blood via the capillaries," neuroscience researcher Dr. Yewande Pearce explains in this useful Headspace video.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
FBI Working With India to Disrupt Chinese Fentanyl Network—Kash Patel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel told podcaster Joe Rogan during a Friday episode that the agency is working with the Indian government to dismantle global fentanyl networks, which he said originate in China. Newsweek has reached out to the FBI's press office, the Indian Government's Ministry of External Affairs, and the Chinese Embassy in Washington for comment via email on Saturday. Why It Matters President Donald Trump has made combating the opioid crisis, particularly the influx of illicitfentanyl, a central focus of his administration's policies. Earlier this year, to address the sources of fentanyl trafficking, Trump imposed tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada. There are some legitimate medical uses for fentanyl. The opioid crisis has far-reaching impacts across the country. In 2024, the United States witnessed a significant decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths, dropping from 110,037 in 2023 to 80,391 in 2024, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, is one of the most-listened-to media figures, drawing an audience of roughly 11 million listeners. What To Know Patel told Rogan that when he joined the bureau, he launched a "massive enterprise" to target companies in China that manufacture "fentanyl precursors." He said that while China may not produce the drug in its final form, it supplies the key ingredients used to make fentanyl, calling the country the "root of the problem." The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which provides recommendations to Congress, stated in an August 2021 finding that "China remains the primary country of origin for illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances trafficked into the United States." Patel said during the interview with Rogan that the country has been shipping the precursors "to places like India—and I'm also doing operations in India—and they're having the Mexican cartels now make this fentanyl down in Mexico." In March, the Chinese government published a white paper laying out its purported efforts to crack down on fentanyl trade and hit back at U.S. criticism as Washington imposed tariffs over the issue. "I literally just got off the phone with the Indian government, I said: 'I need your help. This stuff's coming into your country and then they're moving it from your country because India's not consuming fentanyl...I need you and your help,'" the FBI director told Rogan. He explained the FBI is "working with the heads of their [the Indian] government, law enforcement authorities to say, 'We're going to find these companies that buy it and we're going to shut them down. We're going to sanction them; we're going to arrest them where we can. We're going to indict them in America if we can. We're going to indict them in India if we can.'" He reiterated that "this is a global problem." Patel said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) isn't partaking in the trade for profitability reasons, but rather, "in my opinion, the CCP have used it as a directed approach because we are their their long-term game is how do I, in my opinion, kneecap the United States of America, our largest adversary?" suggesting that the drug allows them to "take out generations of young men and women." Tensions between Washington and Beijing have been high over a slew of issues, including tariff policies and national security issues. In May, federal authorities arrested 16 individuals and seized over 400 kilograms of the drug in the largest fentanyl bust in Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) history. FBI Director Kash Patel is seen in Washington on May 8. FBI Director Kash Patel is seen in Washington on May 8. AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana What People Are Saying U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC in mid-May: "I have a personal stake in this. There are two very close friends [who] lost children to this terrible scourge. Hundreds of thousands of Americans die every year. And I think that we saw here in Geneva the Chinese are now serious about assisting the U.S. in stopping the flow of precursor drugs." A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said in March: "Facts speak louder than words. The U.S. is spreading all kinds of false information on the fentanyl issue, smearing and scapegoating China, and hiking tariffs on Chinese imports over fentanyl." President Donald Trump wrote in an April 24 Truth Social post: "...By the way, Fentanyl continues to pour into our Country from China, through Mexico and Canada, killing hundreds of thousands of our people, and it better stop, NOW!" What Happens Next? It is unclear what the partnership looks like, but according to Patel it is ongoing.
