In a startling development that has sent ripples through Toronto’s medical community, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has permanently revoked the medical license of Dr. Javad Peirovy following his guilty plea to harassment charges involving multiple underage girls.
The 45-year-old physician, who previously operated a family practice in North York, admitted to engaging in a pattern of predatory behavior spanning several years. Court documents revealed that Peirovy used social media platforms to contact girls as young as 12, sending sexually explicit messages and, in several cases, attempting to arrange in-person meetings.
“This represents one of the most serious breaches of professional trust we’ve encountered,” said Dr. Nancy Whitmore, Registrar and CEO of the College. “The deliberate targeting of vulnerable minors by someone in a position of such significant authority is utterly incompatible with the privilege of practicing medicine.”
The investigation began after parents of a 14-year-old reported discovering disturbing messages on their daughter’s phone in March 2022. Digital forensic analysis subsequently uncovered communication with at least seven other underage victims across the Greater Toronto Area.
Toronto Police Detective Samantha Henders, who led the investigation, told CO24 News that the case highlights the increasing challenges parents face in monitoring online interactions. “Predators can exploit the appearance of professional credibility to gain trust. In this case, the doctor’s status was used as a tool to normalize inappropriate contact,” Henders explained.
What makes this case particularly troubling is that Peirovy had previously faced disciplinary action in 2015 for inappropriate physical contact with adult female patients. At that time, the College had imposed a six-month suspension and practice restrictions rather than revoking his license—a decision that faced significant criticism from patient advocacy groups.
“This case raises serious questions about our regulatory systems,” said Melissa Thompson, director of the Patient Safety Coalition, in an interview with CO24 Canada. “When professionals demonstrate concerning behavior patterns, we need to ask whether our disciplinary frameworks are adequately protecting the public.”
The Ontario Medical Association has distanced itself from Peirovy, issuing a statement condemning his actions and emphasizing that they “in no way reflect the values and ethical standards upheld by the overwhelming majority of physicians who serve their communities with integrity.”
Legal experts note that the permanent revocation of a medical license remains relatively rare in Canada, reserved for the most egregious violations. “This case clearly crossed that threshold,” explained legal analyst Jordan Goldstein. “Beyond the criminal implications, which are substantial, the permanent revocation reflects the recognition that some breaches of trust cannot be remediated.”
Former patients of Peirovy’s practice are being contacted by health authorities to arrange transitions to new primary care providers. Public health officials have also established a dedicated hotline for anyone with concerns about interactions with the former physician.
As Toronto’s medical community grapples with the fallout from this case, the broader question emerges: How effectively are we balancing professional autonomy with robust accountability mechanisms in our healthcare system? For patients and practitioners alike, the answer has never mattered more.
