Stella S., then 19, was sexually assaulted by her family physician in Winterthur, Switzerland, over six years ago. Despite a 2022 court conviction and a lifetime ban from practicing medicine, the doctor continued treating patients for at least four years, according to investigations by Blick. The Zurich Health Office, led by Regierungsrätin Natalie Rickli, delayed revoking his medical license until recently, when it filed a criminal complaint against him.
Doctor sexually assaults patient during private session
Stella S. first met the doctor after hospital staff dismissed her persistent headaches. Over 10 sessions, he gained her trust, eventually giving her his personal phone number for emergencies. In a private session outside office hours, he sexually assaulted her while claiming to provide a neck massage. She described feeling paralyzed as he touched her body, including her genital area. She later fled to the bathroom but was not allowed to leave until he finished the “back adjustment.”
Two years after the act, the Bezirksgericht Winterthur convicted the doctor, among other things, for sexual assault and gave him a lifetime practice ban. However, he appealed the ruling, prolonging the legal process until September, when the Swiss Federal Court upheld the verdict. Despite this, he continued working, opening a new practice and ensuring his family remained unaware of the proceedings. His correspondence with legal representatives was sent directly to his office, according to court records.
According to the source, the doctor’s wife and children were kept in the dark about the legal proceedings. The Health Office had an email from 2018 in which it explicitly asked the court whether it could revoke his license. The doctor was still working at the time, and the Health Office later stated it had imposed a condition requiring all patient visits to occur in the presence of a practice assistant (MPA).
Zurich Health Office delays revoking doctor's license
The Zurich Health Office, responsible for revoking medical licenses, had the authority to suspend the doctor’s practice after the 2022 conviction. Instead, it imposed a condition requiring all patient visits to occur in the presence of a practice assistant (MPA). This measure was lifted only after the final ruling, when the office formally revoked his license. Even then, reports indicate he continued seeing patients, and the office filed a criminal complaint.
The Health Office cited a 2017 administrative court ruling as a reason for its cautious approach, stating that a similar case had been resolved by mandating MPA supervision rather than immediate revocation. Over the past decade, the office has revoked licenses in 36 cases, with only 23 instances of preemptive suspensions, according to internal records.
The source also reveals that the Health Office had previously considered revoking the doctor’s license but delayed action. In 2018, it explicitly asked the court whether it could revoke his license, but the decision was postponed. The doctor continued practicing, and the Health Office only filed a criminal complaint after the final court ruling.
Impact on the Victim
Stella S. continues to suffer from the consequences of the assault. Despite the court-ordered 3,000 Swiss francs in damages, the doctor’s payment note read: “This is on your conscience for life.”
Stella S. lost her apprenticeship after the abuse. She also described the emotional toll, saying, “I wish that victims of sexual violence would stand up and report the perpetrators.” She added, “There is nothing to be ashamed of. It is the perpetrators who should feel ashamed.” Her 444 tattoo symbolizes protection by guardian angels, a message she hopes will encourage others to speak out.
Did You Know? The Zurich Health Office delayed revoking the doctor’s license for four years after his 2022 conviction, citing a 2017 court ruling that prioritized supervisory measures over immediate suspensions in similar cases.
What was the timeline of the doctor’s legal proceedings?
What was the timeline of the doctor’s legal proceedings?
The doctor was convicted two years after the act, with a lifetime practice ban. He appealed for four years, and the Swiss Federal Court confirmed the verdict in September. His license was revoked in May 2026, but he continued practicing until a criminal complaint was filed.
Why did the Zurich Health Office delay revoking his license?
The office cited a 2017 administrative court ruling that emphasized supervisory measures, such as requiring a practice assistant during patient visits, over immediate suspensions. It also waited for the final court ruling before taking definitive action.
What is the current status of the doctor’s practice?
As of May 2026, the Zurich Health Office has revoked his license and filed a criminal complaint. However, investigations suggest he continued treating patients until at least the day before the complaint was lodged.
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