Medical expert takes the stand in trial of Kitchener, Ont. neurologist
Warning: This article contains graphic details that some readers may find disturbing.
The trial of former Kitchener neurologist, Jeffrey Sloka, who is facing dozens of sexual assault charges, continued in court Thursday.
A medical expert qualified to speak to the standards for neurological exams took the stand as the trial continues more than a year after it began.
According to the Crown, Sloka now faces 50 counts of sexual assault.
In September of 2021, Sloka pleaded not guilty to 63 counts of sexual assault. Six counts were withdrawn at the request of the Crown.
It’s been more than three years since the first charges were laid.
These alleged incidents happened at his private practice office at the Kaufman Building at Grand River Hospital between January 2010 and July 2017.
The Crown spent the day asking neurologist Dr. Vera Bril, who was brought in as an expert, to speak on the standards for neurological exams.
The court heard that Sloka allegedly asked female patients, including some teenagers, to undress for certain physical and skin examinations, and he touched patients’ breasts and genitalia.
On the stand, Dr. Bril was asked if there is ever a reason for neurologists to touch genitalia.
Dr. Bril told the courtroom: “Neurologists should not do a vaginal exam.” Adding, “It is far outside our standard of practice. Far, far outside.”
The Crown also referenced one instance when a patient visited Sloka complaining of headaches where breast and skin exams were allegedly performed, but no documentation was made of those exams.
In response, Dr. Bril told the court, “There must be documentation of a breast exam, and there is not.”
Adding: “You have to twist your mind so much to try and get to a reason to do these exams.”
Sloka has pleaded not guilty to all counts of the charges he is facing.
The trial continues on Monday.
'Their wounds are open'
Sara Casselman, the executive director of the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region said these lengthy trials can reopen the wounds for survivors.
“The reality of navigating the court system is that folks — their wounds are open during this time. It’s very hard to move on when everything is still in the process,” said Casselman.
“As a sexual assault support centre, we wrap survivors in community care…so if there is someone that wants that support they can reach out to our centre,” said Casselman.
Support for those who have or are experiencing sexual assault could be found by visiting the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region.
A 24-hour support line can be reached by calling 519 741 8633.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A newspaper says video of Prince William and Kate should halt royal rumour mill. That's a tall order
Prince William and his wife Catherine have been filmed at a farm shop near their Windsor home, The Sun newspaper reported -- the first footage of Kate since she had abdominal surgery for an unspecified condition two months ago.
'You ask for your money, they disappear': Ontario man loses $17K to AI crypto scam
A Toronto man is spreading the word of a cryptocurrency scam that lures victims using AI-generated news sites after he lost $17,000 in investments.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
High thoughts: The habits of Canadian cannabis users are revealed in a new StatCan report
Statistics Canada has conducted a series of surveys to measure the impacts of legalized cannabis since the Cannabis Act took effect in 2018. The latest one, the 2023 National Cannabis Survey, sheds light on users' preferences and habits last year.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Trump says Jews who vote for Democrats 'hate Israel' and their religion
Former U.S. president Donald Trump on Monday charged that Jews who vote for Democrats 'hate Israel' and hate 'their religion,' igniting a firestorm of criticism from the White House and Jewish leaders.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Freddie Mercury's home is on the market for first time since 1980 minus his 'exquisite clutter'
Freddie Mercury's sanctuary in London, where he lived the last decade of his life, is on sale for the first time in nearly half a century -- minus his "exquisite clutter."
'The lost season': Winter comes to a close as Canada's warmest on record
The warmest winter on record could have far-reaching effects on everything from wildfire season to erosion, climatologists say, while offering a preview of what the season could resemble in the not-so-distant future unless steps are taken to cut greenhouse gas emissions.