Former doctor acquitted in high-profile medical misconduct case in Møre and Romsdal

The legal battle of a former doctor in Møre and Romsdal has reached a significant turning point. The case originated when a young female patient alleged that he had inappropriately touched her during a medical examination. Two years ago, the Health Inspectorate revoked his medical license, prompting him to file a lawsuit to regain his authorization. He lost in the Oslo District Court.

However, when the criminal case against him was heard in the spring of 2024, the situation shifted dramatically, resulting in his acquittal by the Møre and Romsdal District Court. The appeals court has now reviewed the case and has upheld the acquittal.

His lawyer, Alexander Schimmelpfennig Nygaard, expressed satisfaction on behalf of his client, stating, “He looks forward to resuming his medical career and doing what he does best.” Meanwhile, the assistant attorney, Astrid Bolstad, has not yet commented on the court’s ruling.

The court concluded that the young woman had misunderstood the situation, noting, “She has overinterpreted and misinterpreted parts of what the doctor said and did.” Additionally, inconsistencies in her statements between court and police interrogations weakened her credibility. The court placed more weight on the former doctor’s testimony and cleared him of all charges, including those related to compensation for damages sought by the assistant attorney.

The former doctor, accused of massaging the patient’s breasts during an emergency visit in the fall of 2021, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His legal team has requested the Health Inspectorate to reinstate his medical license after his earlier acquittal, citing new job offers he has received, but no progress has been made thus far.