Two weeks into his trial, the defendant, Dr. Edward Poon, took the stand at the Court of Queen’s Bench in Regina. The doctor is facing six charges of sexual assault involving female patients.
The court heard that Poon moved to Canada from Hong Kong when he was 17.
"I came to Canada to search for a better life, " Poon said.
Poon earned his pharmacy degree from the University of Alberta and worked in Calgary for a number for a number of years. Failing to get into medicine at the U of A, Poon went to medical school in India before returning to Canada and interning at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.
Poon began working as a general practitioner in 1983, and by 2004 was managing six clinics in Regina, including the Golden Mile Medical Clinic. Poon said back in 2008 it wasn’t uncommon for him to work seven days a week.
The defence also questioned the doctor about how he conducts a breast and pelvic exam. It’s during these procedures the witnesses claim the doctor was inappropriate.
When asked about his interaction with patients beyond the examination, Poon says he did hug or compliment patients.
"I am a warm person," he says, "I give them a hug to reassure them it will be alright."
To end the day, Poon was asked about his relationship with his father. The accused said they didn’t get along and he considers it "unfinished business" because his father died before they could work things out.
Poon will be back on the stand Monday morning.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.