An Ontario neurosurgeon has been handed a six-month licence suspension following findings of professional misconduct tied to a patient’s death and repeated concerns about unsafe practices.
The disciplinary action was issued by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario against Stefan Joseph Konasiewicz, who operates clinics in Toronto, Hamilton and Newmarket.
A review found he failed to meet accepted standards in most patient cases assessed, including repeatedly administering nerve-block injections even when they showed little benefit.
The case intensified after a 70-year-old patient died following a nerve-block procedure. Investigators determined improper injection techniques and needle placement created significant safety risks, with the coroner later concluding the medication was mistakenly delivered into the spinal canal.
Despite being ordered to stop performing such procedures, the doctor allegedly continued administering injections, prompting further disciplinary action.
In addition to the suspension, he must undergo supervised practice for one year upon reinstatement and appear before the regulatory panel for reprimand.