Unregistered doctor found working in Melbourne

More than 140 patients are being contacted after an unregistered doctor was uncovered working in a cosmetic clinic in Victoria.

Phoebe Pacheco allegedly saw patients for GP-like consultations and carried out  minor procedures at Werribee Cosmetic Medicine between January 2013 and October last year.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the Victorian Health Department on Tuesday said Ms Pacheco was not a registered medical practitioner in Australia.

Letters have been sent to 145 patients with records at the clinic.

Ms Pacheco faces a fine of up to $30,000 for holding herself out to be a practitioner while unregistered.

Acting Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said there was no evidence of  harm to patients.

"(But) anyone who saw Ms Pacheco at this site or any other site should see a GP as a follow up," he said on Tuesday.
 

Chris Robertson, AHPRA's executive strategy and policy director, said his  organisation uncovered the lack of registration while reviewing the clinic in  September.

Patient records were seized after Victoria Police raided the clinic in October.

Robertson said AHPRA has been in contact with Ms Pacheco but he couldn't say if she was still in the country.

A LinkedIn profile for a Phoebe Pacheco says she worked at Werribee Cosmetic  Medicine from January 2013 as a physician's assistant.

The profile also states she attended the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines.

On its website, Werribee Cosmetic Medicine says it conducts "laser treatments for hair removal, skin rejuvenation, acne scars, tattoo removal by laser, fat  cavitation ultrasound and a full range beauty therapy and skin treatments,  especially skin conditions."



  

 

 


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Presented by Ronald Manila
Source: AAP

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