Our case studies are based on real life fitness to practise concerns we have received
Type of concern: Driving under the influence of alcohol
Profession: Chiropodist / podiatrist
Standards
When these events happened, previous versions of the standards were in place (standards of conduct, performance and ethics 2012). To avoid confusion the most recent versions are shown.
Standards of conduct, performance and ethics (1 September 2024)
- 9.1 You must make sure that your conduct justifies the public’s trust and confidence in you and your profession.
Case study
A podiatrist self-referred following a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. The Conduct and Competence Committee Panel considered the allegation. The registrant did not attend the hearing but had provided his own account of the incident. He expressed his sorrow and a wish to resume his career in podiatry. When considering current impairment, the Panel determined the registrant’s conviction for the offence and damaged public confidence in the profession. It felt that there was some risk of repetition and a lack of engagement. It, therefore, found the registrant’s fitness to practise to be impaired by reason of the conviction.
The Panel concluded that the registrant’s conduct in committing the offence was remediable. This was by, for example, attending an appropriate rehabilitative course and by re-engaging with his profession. It felt a six-month suspension order would maintain public confidence in the profession. This would allow the registrant to develop further insight and reflect on the gravity of the offence.
Measures we put in place to protect the public
The Conduct and Competence Committee imposed a six-month suspension order.
- Published:
- 14/01/2019
- Resources
- Learning material
- Subcategory:
- Case study
- Audience
- Registrants, Employers
- Profession
- Chiropodists / podiatrists