Ottawa Physician Pursues $2.3 Million Lawsuit Against Hospital Over Alleged Bullying and Harassment
An Ottawa doctor and scientist, renowned for her groundbreaking trial on treating artificial joint infections, has initiated a $2.3 million lawsuit against The Ottawa Hospital. Dr. Marisa Azad claims the institution neglected to implement promised corrective measures after an independent investigation verified she endured bullying and sexual harassment from two male colleagues.
Details of the Allegations and Hospital Response
Dr. Marisa Azad, an infectious diseases physician, asserts that The Ottawa Hospital did not take adequate action against Dr. Hesham Abdelbary and Dr. George Grammatopoulos, despite a third-party investigation confirming a pattern of bullying, harassment, and retaliation. The probe also identified sexual harassment by Grammatopoulos. In response, the hospital's chief of staff, Dr. Virginia Roth, apologized to Azad, acknowledging the behavior violated hospital policies and fell short of expectations for respectful interactions.
Roth assured Azad that corrective actions would be taken, but the lawsuit contends these promises were not fulfilled. Azad's legal team, led by prominent litigator Marie Henein, argues that the hospital minimized the findings and allowed the bullying to persist, even characterizing Azad as an unstable woman making unfounded complaints.
Escalation of Hostility and Legal Proceedings
The civil action details that following the publication of the investigation results by the Ottawa Citizen, Azad faced increased ostracism and retaliation from colleagues. The lawsuit alleges the hospital protected and favored Abdelbary and Grammatopoulos by promoting them and assisting with research grants, rather than imposing meaningful disciplinary measures.
Defendants in the case include Abdelbary, Grammatopoulos, Roth, and Dr. Jonathan Angel, former head of the infectious disease department. The hospital has stated it will file a defense in due course, emphasizing its commitment to a respectful workplace free from discrimination and harassment, but declined further comment due to the ongoing litigation.
Azad's lawsuit highlights broader issues of workplace safety and accountability in healthcare settings, as the allegations remain unproven in court. This case underscores the challenges faced by medical professionals in addressing misconduct within institutional frameworks.
