WA psychiatrist spared harsher punishment for sexual harassment due to workforce shortages

The sole inpatient psychiatrist in a WA regional area has been spared harsher punishment for repeatedly sexually harassing a nurse, partially due to workforce shortages.

In a settlement with the Medical Board of Australia formalised on Thursday, Panduranga Mallikarjun Rapuri admitted to the professional misconduct between late 2023 and early 2024.

He was suspended for three-and-a-half months and will have conditions imposed on his practice when he returns to work.

But the board said it did not seek a longer suspension because of the shortage of psychiatrists in the region.

"He is currently the sole psychiatrist responsible for the inpatient care of mental health patients in the region and directly supervises two junior trainees," according to the agreed facts published by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).

"He has skills of value to the community, is committed to developing psychiatric services in the region, and has the support of senior work colleagues."

Both Dr Rapuri and the Medical Board agreed there were a number of other mitigating factors, including the doctor's acknowledgement that he "made an error of judgement", had expressed remorse, and had been treated by a psychologist to manage his mental health.

Text message harassment

The agreed facts stated Dr Rapuri pursued a female nurse over a two-month period, despite her repeatedly rejecting him, including bombarding her with text messages.

"You really looked beautiful today in work" read one early message, adding that he wanted "the whole nine yards".

"If it's anything more than a professional relationship, I can't do that," the nurse responded.

After he sent poems he had written about her, she again asked him to "please respect my decision to keep your interactions purely professional", then blocked him on WhatsApp the following day.

But just over a week later, he began texting her via SMS.

"I'll be waiting for you" and "you're the only one for me", he texted.

"This is harassment, you need to leave me alone," the nurse responded the following day, before blocking his number.

Suspension and transfer

Dr Rapuri met with his clinical director the day after and agreed to stop electronic communications with the nurse, unless about clinical issues.

But 10 days later, he tried to hand her a written note, then sent her a Facebook friend request, which she declined.

He then sent her a message via Facebook Messenger, declaring "I can't help but love you more (even if it means losing my AHPRA licence or being kicked out of Australia)".

"You would be right to think that I'd still harass you after you spoke with me and said no, but just as you can't stop me loving you, even if you stop me texting … I can't force you to like me either and once I know what the reason is, I will have no option but to leave you in peace."

Dr Rapuri was subsequently suspended on full pay and made to attend training about "managing boundaries and communication", before being transferred to another team and subjected to supervision for a year.

About two years later, the Medical Board imposed its sanctions on Dr Rapuri.

Sexual harassment 'unacceptable'

In response to questions about the case, a WA Country Health Service spokesperson said: "Sexual harassment in the workplace is unacceptable."

"WA Country Health Service took immediate action to protect staff and prevent any further unacceptable behaviour," they told the ABC.

"While we cannot provide detail on individual employment matters, the community should be assured that the safety of staff and patients is our first priority."

WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat shared a similar view.

"Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and sexual harassment of any kind is completely unacceptable," she said in a statement.

Dr Rapuri is a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, which told the ABC it was aware of the tribunal's orders.

"The College requires that psychiatrists uphold the integrity of the medical profession and, as such, is reviewing the practitioner's membership status based on available information," WA branch chair Murugesh Nidyananda said.