Nadine Dilong Dr Mohamad Anwar, also known as Dr Faizal Anwar, was suspended on August 19, 2016 by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), but as it turns out, continued to treat patients for several weeks, according to media reports.
As a result, the former Cosmetic Surgeon was fined a record sum of AUD $100,000 at the Melbourne magistrate’s court last week, as well as $14,000 in legal costs.
Anwar continued to practise at the Victorian Cosmetic and Laser Clinic after several women had sued him over botched facelifts, rhinoplasties, and breast surgeries. They said they were talked into the -sometimes unnecessary- surgeries and were left scarred and traumatised.
The Malaysian-trained doctor pleaded guilty to four charges of pretending to be a registered medical practitioner when he was not.
“This is the single largest fine against an individual in Australia for claiming to be a registered medical practitioner when they are not under the National Law,” Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency chief executive Martin Fletcher said in a statement on Thursday.
“This outcome makes clear that Ahpra will use its full powers to prosecute anyone who is putting the public at risk through this unlawful behaviour,” he said.
“I encourage patients to check our national register of practitioners when seeing a health practitioner who should be registered.”
It goes to show the continued importance of educating patients about the often misleading qualifications, memberships and titles.
