NHS Trauma Doctor Barred from Practice in Social Media Probe
A doctor working within the National Health Service has been suspended from practice for 15 months following allegations concerning a series of social media posts described as antisemitic. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) imposed the interim suspension on Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, a 31-year-old British Palestinian trainee in trauma and orthopaedics, effective immediately from Wednesday. This action precedes a full investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC).
Allegations of Extreme Content and Support for Proscribed Groups
During the tribunal hearing, Emma Gilsenan, counsel for the GMC, outlined the nature of the complaints. She stated that Dr Aladwan's online activity allegedly included content that "justifies terrorism, denies sexual violence, includes antisemitic conspiracy theories, misuses Holocaust and Nazi imagery and expresses support for proscribed groups and terrorist acts".
Specific accusations presented to the tribunal included that Dr Aladwan had referred to the Royal Free hospital in London as a "Jewish supremacy cesspit". It was also alleged that she doxed NHS colleagues who raised concerns about her posts and expressed explicit support for proscribed organisations such as Hamas and Palestine Action. Ms Gilsenan argued that it was "unconscionable" to allow the doctor to continue practising.
Defence of Free Speech and Tribunal's Reversal
Dr Aladwan's defence, led by lawyer Kevin Saunders, contended that the posts constituted "legitimate political speech and debate" and denied they were racist or hate speech. Mr Saunders submitted that there was "no information to suggest that Dr Aladwan presents a real and immediate risk to patient safety".
This perspective initially found some traction. In September, a previous MPTS tribunal decided against imposing interim conditions on Dr Aladwan's registration. However, the most recent tribunal, chaired by Lee Davies, reversed this position after considering "additional information" that indicated a potential "escalation in the tone and nature" of her online activities.
Mr Davies concluded that the alleged conduct "may impact on patient confidence in both her and the profession" and could discourage individuals from seeking treatment. He acknowledged the doctor's right to freedom of expression but highlighted posts that allegedly "support and celebrate terrorist acts and organisations, and promote violent action and offensive Jewish tropes".
Broader Context and Ongoing Investigation
The case has drawn complaints from several groups, including the Jewish Medical Association UK and the Campaign Against Antisemitism, alongside numerous members of the public. The suspension will be reviewed within six months, while the GMC's full investigation continues.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of political scrutiny. The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has publicly stated his intention to overhaul how medical regulators handle antisemitism cases, asserting that the current system is "completely failing to protect Jewish patients and NHS staff".
The MPTS tribunal's role is to decide on interim restrictions during a GMC investigation and does not constitute a final ruling. The GMC will ultimately determine if any sanctions, including being struck off the medical register, are warranted.
