Short-staffing contributes to lighter penalty for sexual harasser psychiatrist
A psychiatrist in Western Australia has received a three-and-a-half month suspension for sexually harassing a nurse. The Medical Board of Australia opted for a lighter penalty due to workforce shortages in the region. Upon his return, he will face conditions on his practice to ensure professional boundaries are maintained.
- ▪Panduranga Mallikarjun Rapuri was suspended for three-and-a-half months for repeatedly sexually harassing a nurse.
- ▪The Medical Board did not seek a longer suspension due to a shortage of psychiatrists in the area.
- ▪Dr. Rapuri admitted to professional misconduct and will have conditions imposed on his practice upon return.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Workforce shortages contribute to psychiatrist's lighter penalty after he sexually harassed nurseBy WA state political reporter Keane BourkeTopic:Doctors and Medical ProfessionalsSat 23 May 2026 at 10:18amSat 23 May 2026 at 10:18amSat 23 May 2026 at 10:18amThe Medical Board of Australia did not seek a longer suspension than three months. (Supplied: rawpixel)In short:A sole inpatient psychiatrist in a WA regional area has been suspended for three-and-a-half months, for repeatedly sexually harassing a nurse, including over several messaging platforms.He received a lighter penalty partially due to a shortage of psychiatrists in the region.What's next?Once he returns to work, Panduranga Mallikarjun Rapuri will have conditions imposed on his…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).