Lifetime ban for former doctor convicted of sexual assault, B.C. college says

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A former doctor who pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault has agreed never to practise medicine again.

Dr. Peter Clinton Inkpen has signed an undertaking with the College of Physicians and Surgeons in which he committed “to never apply for reinstatement of his surrendered licence in British Columbia or apply for licensure in any other jurisdiction to practise medicine.”

The college announced the agreement in a summary of Inkpen’s case published on its website Tuesday.

According to the document, Inkpen’s undertaking took effect on March 30.

The former physician pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault on June 6, 2024, according to the B.C. Prosecution Service.

He was sentenced the following month to a total of three and a half years in prison. The court also imposed a DNA order, a 10-year firearms ban and a 20-year sex offender registry order, the BCPS said.

Inkpen was also acquitted of one count of sexual assault in November 2024.

All of the charges were heard in Vernon, where Inkpen practised.

“In considering an appropriate penalty, the inquiry committee noted Dr. Inkpen’s admission of guilt to three counts of sexual assault involving one patient and two staff members, and his subsequent incarceration, constituted a serious contravention of the professional and ethical obligations of a CPSBC registrant,” the college’s summary of the case reads.

“In considering that Dr. Inkpen is no longer a CPSBC registrant and had agreed to provide the undertakings, the inquiry committee was satisfied that the disposition of this matter as outlined above was in the public interest.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.