Amherst, N.S., doctor suspended as he faces voyeurism charge

The fourth day of a double-murder trial in Saint John went forward on Thursday.

A doctor in the Amherst, N.S., area has had his licence suspended as he faces a voyeurism charge.

The Amherst Police Department said it received a complaint about Dr. Keith Short on May 7.

Short was arrested on May 29 and charged with one count of voyeurism.

Short is due to appear in Amherst provincial court on July 13.

Police did not release any details about the complaint against him.

Doctor suspended pending investigation

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia told CTV News Atlantic it imposed an interim suspension on Short after learning about the charge.

“The imposition of an interim suspension is an extraordinary measure and is imposed in cases to protect the public interest,” said Dr. Gus Grant, registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, in an emailed statement.

“An interim suspension is not a disciplinary finding but rather a safeguard as our investigation proceeds.”

Grant added that the charges against Short have not been proven in court.

According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, Short’s specialty is family medicine, but he is also qualified to work in palliative care.

The business address listed under his registration details is the palliative care department at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.

Nova Scotia Health has ‘contingencies in place’

Nova Scotia Health said it’s aware Short’s licence has been suspended and it has “contingencies in place to ensure continuity of care is not disrupted in relation to his work.”

Brendan Elliott, a senior communications advisor with Nova Scotia Health, added he can’t comment on individual personnel or professional matters.

“However, it is worth pointing out that physicians practising in Nova Scotia are required to be licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia,” said Elliott in an emailed statement to CTV News Atlantic.

“Only physicians with an active, valid licence are authorized to practise in the province.”

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page