Doc’s duck gift could cost him his career
A SENIOR doctor told a teenage patient he loved her and sent rubber ducks to her as a birthday present, a tribunal heard yesterday.
Kidney specialist Dr Colin Millar, 52, allegedly texted the 19-year-old woman and said: “Love you, always will.”
The Aberdeen Royal Infirmary consultant admits pursuing an “improper emotional relationship” with the student but denies any romantic interest. At a fitness to practise hearing, he may be struck off if guilty of misconduct.
Giving evidence, Dr Millar said: “I think it was filling a void. The void was a lack of close friends with whom I could have lengthy discussions.
I think it was filling a void. The void was a lack of close friends with whom I could have lengthy discussions
“At the time I didn’t recognise it as a pursuit, but I recognise now that it was progressive in that sense.”
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service hearing in Manchester was told the woman was being treated for a long-term illness.
She met Dr Millar around April 2011 and bumped into him outside of the hospital. In January 2012, as she recovered, the doctor visited her hospital room for up to 45 minutes. They began exchanging texts in March. The woman claims Dr Millar invited her to his home’s music room, offered to cook his “famous chilli” for her and asked for a “long coastal walk”.
She also told him about an anchor tattoo she planned with the words: “I refuse to sink.” Dr Millar sent three rubber ducks as a birthday gift to her parents’ house with a note reading: “We refuse to sink also.”
The woman, known only as Patient A, described it as a “lovely gesture”, but later wondered where he had found her address, the panel heard.
She said she “felt sick” after receiving a text from Dr Millar in September 2012 saying: “Love you, always will.”
Patient A also recalled one incident when he came into her hospital room and was “sighing heavily” and “deep breathing”.
The woman complained to officials in October 2012 after Dr Millar allegedly blocked her exit in the hospital.
Dr Millar denies both incidents, although he admits he knew that Patient A was uncomfortable around him.
The hearing continues.