KITCHENER - A former Kitchener neurologist who lost his license earlier this year over sexual abuse allegations has been formally charged with nearly three dozen counts of sexual assault.

Jeffrey Sloka, 50, appeared in a Kitchener courtroom on Tuesday after he was arrested on 34 counts of sexual assault.

Police confirmed in a press release that he was practicing as a physician at the time of the alleged assaults. They say the charges involve 34 separate alleged victims, many of whom were patients of Sloka's at Grand River Hospital.

"We were deeply saddened to learn about the allegations against Dr. Sloka and express our sincere apologies and sympathies to those patients who have been affected by this experience," Grand River Hospital CEO says in a statement.

He goes on to say that Sloka has not practiced at the hospital since April of this year, adding that the hospital takes patient safety and quality of care very seriously.

Between 2017 and 2018, three patients came forward with allegations against Sloka. In an April disciplinary hearing with the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons (OCPS), a fourth victim was also described during the proceedings.

The neurologist had his license revoked after that hearing in April.

"It is alleged, from January 2010 to February 2017, Sloka sexually assaulted patients under his care," a press release from police reads in part.

Documents from his OCPS hearing also showed that Sloka had had 22 complaints against him.

A former patient said she was referred to Sloka due to persistent migraines. The woman told CTV News in May that her experience with the neurologist was investigated by the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons.

“I’m speaking out because I want other women to know that it’s okay to come forward, it’s okay to share your story,” she told CTV at the time.

Following the OCPS hearing, Sloka was ordered to pay $64,000 for a therapy fund for his alleged victims.

Police say that the investigation is ongoing and that they believe there may be other victims.

They're asking anyone with additional information to call the service's special victim's unit.

None of the allegations have been proven in court. Sloka's lawyer declined to comment.

The accused man was kept in custody and is due back in court on Thursday.

With reports from Natalie van Rooy