Dr Isabella Jonsson

May 10, 2023

Kingaroy doctor Isabella Jonsson has been suspended from practising for three months, the second time she has faced disciplinary proceedings in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The tribunal found Dr Jonsson had treated relatives, and had failed to keep adequate medical records of the treatment, in violation of the Medical Board’s code of conduct.

Judge John Allen KC said he did not accept the submission that a substantial fine would be an appropriate penalty.

“The evidence given by the respondent calls into question whether she has an appropriate level of insight. In these circumstances, the Tribunal is of the view that a period of actual suspension is warranted, in order to bring home to the respondent and other practitioners the seriousness of her conduct,” he said.

The suspension will take effect from one month after the date of the judgment, ie. from May 8.

After Dr Jonsson returns to practice she must submit to quarterly audits of her practice for two years.

The judgment also noted that Dr Jonsson had trained and supervised medical students and registrars for most of her career.

“Given the deficiencies in her understanding of, and commitment to, ethical obligations as outlined in the Code, the Tribunal is of the view that the respondent should be prohibited from supervising medical students and registrars. The risk of her ethical misguidance outweighs any benefit her expertise would bring,” Judge Allen wrote.

The judge also referred to references tendered on the respondent’s behalf.

“These referees include colleagues, other medical practitioners, community leaders, local politicians, and many patients of the respondent.

“All of these references speak highly of the respondent, particularly with regard to her competency in treating skin cancer.

“Many of the references also speak to the scarce availability of medical services to rural communities such as in Kingaroy.

“The Tribunal acknowledges that any suspension of the respondent’s registration will have an adverse effect on the availability of medical services in Kingaroy. However, such a factor does not mitigate the seriousness of the respondent’s conduct.”