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.

An expert witness told the hearing that tests showed Mr X had normal testosterone levels for his age.

Professor Paul Stuart, an endocrinologist, added that the "normal" levels of testosterone quoted on e-medicine were higher than those used by him and testing laboratories.

He said: "I truly did think the website was a disgrace."

Prof Stuart said there were no studies to show that testosterone was of proven benefit to patients with Alzheimer's. The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow.

The hearing has been adjourned until Thursday.

Update 19 June 2007: The GMC placed a condition on Dr Carruthers' registration saying that he could continue to practise, but only if he did not practise over the web. That condition was revoked in December 2006.