A Vernon doctor has been reprimanded once again, this time for breaching a condition of his practice.

A public notification was issued for Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sharma, who practices at Main Street Skin and Laser, on May 16 by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. (CPSBC).

Sharma examined female patients with a chaperone present who had not been approved by the CPSBC. The incidents occurred between November of 2023 until January 2024, even after the CPSBC informed him that he must cease using the unapproved staff members as chaperones. CPSBC requires a chaperone approved by the College for all complete physical examinations and all breast, pelvic and sensitive examinations on female patients. 

As a result, Sharma was to remain on the conditional, disciplined class of the College and was published a formal reprimand. 

This is the third time that Sharma has been under investigation by the CPSBC.

In 2001, Sharma was found guilty of infamous conduct involving sexual intercourse with an adult female patient in his medical office. 

Sharma admitted to the CPSBC of the conduct, expressing "deep remorse and contrition." His name was subsequently erased from the Medical Register and he was suspended from the practice of medicine for 12 months. 

He also had to pay $1,000 in costs and underwent a professional assessment. 

"The College will monitor his practice," said a CPSBC report from registrar Morris VanAndel. "His future professional conduct is required to be above reproach in every respect."

On June 8, 2007, Sharma was erased as a member of the CPSBC for aiding and abetting a patient to attempt suicide. He pleaded guilty to criminal charges and was sentenced to house arrest for two years less a day. He also immediately withdrew from his 25 year active clinical practice.

At the time, counselling or aiding a suicide, whether or not it is completed, carried a maximum prison term of 14 years.