Doctor accused over Internet advice

The case is being heard in London

A doctor who gave medical advice to patients over the Internet has been brought before the General Medical Council.

Dr Malcolm Carruthers, of Harley Street in London, is accused of serious professional misconduct. He denies the charge.

He was reported by another doctor after he diagnosed the male menopause in an elderly patient who was suffering from severe dementia.

This is a case concerning the perils for patients using medical websites

Richard Tyson, GMC

At a hearing on Wednesday, the GMC's professional conduct committee was told that Dr Carruthers ran a medical advice website e-medicine on which he advertised himself as a "consultant andrologist and specialist in men's health".

He claimed he was an expert in what he described "viropause" or male menopause, after seeing more than 2,000 men suffering with the alleged condition.

Website advice

In April 2000, the wife of a 70-year-old man, referred to only as Mr X, contacted the website as part of her continuing search for help with her husband's advanced Alzheimer's disease.

Without seeing Mr X in person or referring to his medical notes, Dr Carruthers recommended excessive doses of testosterone, despite there being no evidence it benefited sufferers, the hearing was told.

Mr X's GP Dr Peter Ewing reported Dr Carruther's actions to the GMC.

Counsel for the GMC, Richard Tyson, said: "This is a case concerning the perils for patients using medical websites.

"It is also a case concerning the dangers involved in website doctors e-mailing suggested treatments to patients who they have not seen and whose only contact they have is through patients filling in a questionnaire."

Mr Tyson said: "He, Dr Carruthers, didn't consult or liaise with the GP or any psychiatrist.

"All these are serious deficiencies of e-medicine and this doctor in particular."

Mr Tyson said the dosage was excessive and such high quantities can cause health risks such as increased risk of prostate cancer.

The hearing heard that Dr Ewing had tested out the website himself. He was told it was "probable" he had testosterone deficiency.

After pretending he was very depressed, he was told he had "definite" andropausal problems.

Mr Tyson said: "Of course, being depressed is not a function of whether you have testosterone deficiency."

The case continues.