A histopathologist’s attempt to be restored to the medical register has failed after a tribunal deemed that his restoration would undermine patient safety. 

A histopathologist’s attempt to be restored to the medical register has failed after a tribunal rejected his appeal. 

Ioannis Tosounidis had practised as a locum consultant histopathologist at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and Addenbrookes Hospital before appearing at a fitness to practise panel in July 2014. 

Not only were mistakes in diagnosis found – a review of 713 cases reported on by Dr Tosounidis found 228 with errors – the panel found that his actions on a number of occasions were “misleading and dishonest”. He had added another consultant’s name to a pathology report without her knowledge and without accurately representing her opinion; completed a GI Biopsy report in which he stated that another doctor concurred with the interpretation; submitted a factually inaccurate online application form for a medical post at East and North Hertfordshire Trust; and lied during a job interview. 

The 2014 panel found that Tosounidis’ fitness to practise was “impaired by reason of both deficient professional performance and misconduct”.

Undermine patient safety

Giving evidence in the new review in mid February, Tosounidis said that a backlash review of his cases had been sparked by other gastrointestinal pathologists after he changed the diagnosis given to a biopsy specimen from adenocarcinoma to mesothelioma. 

He said that the review was a “petty and vindictive move”. 

The GMC, however, said that he should not be restored to the medical register. “It is quite clear that Dr Tosounidis does not accept the findings of the 2014 Panel in terms of deficient professional performance or dishonesty and consequential misconduct,” it said. 

Despite apologies from Tosounidis which were noted by the tribunal, it found that “there remained a risk that Dr Tosounidis might repeat his misconduct and deficient professional performance”.

It concluded that his restoration to the medical register would “undermine patient safety”. 

Tosounidis can reapply for restoration in 12 months.