Vernon doctor jailed for sexually assaulting patient gets lifelong ban

CONTENT ADVISORY

A Vernon doctor jailed for three-and-a-half years for sexually assaulting a patient and two staff members has been barred from practicing medicine for life.

According to a May 26 College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC decision, Dr. Peter Clinton Inkpen agreed to never apply to practice medicine in BC or any other jurisdiction.

Inkpen was jailed in June 2024, having pleaded guilty to the sexual assault charges, one of which involved a patient he’d met in 2018.

He took the patient out to lunch and tried to kiss her. He later performed oral sex on the woman at his practice and had sex with her at her house. 

During his court appearance, the Crown stressed that none of the sexual acts were consensual.

In a highly unusual move, the victim, Hilary Davies, had the publication ban on her name removed and said that Inkpen had manipulated her for his own gratification.

After he was charged, two staff members also came forward with allegations that led to more charges.

One staff member said that Inkpen had asked her if he could practice using an ultrasound machine on her, but had sexualized the use of it. The doctor would touch her groin and inner thigh area with the machine and remove her underwear. This happened on multiple occasions, but the assistant didn’t say anything because she was worried about losing her job.

Another employee also came forward with a similar story that dated back to 2017. Again, she didn’t say anything because she was scared of losing her job.

Inkpen was also found not guilty after trial on allegations concerning a fourth victim.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons citation also includes details of his conduct involving a unnamed patient.

The citation said the female patient had been suffering from chronic daily headaches when he met her at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. He told her he was working on a research project and wanted a volunteer to work with.

He met her out of hours at his clinic and didn’t ask for consent when he removed her underwear to use an ultrasound device. 

At another out-of-hours appointment, he drank beer with the patient and again removed her underwear without consent while using the ultrasound machine.

The regulator said the touching was not done in a clinical manner, deeming it professional misconduct.

In 2024, one of Inkpen’s victims began civil litigation against him seeking compensation for his abuse.

After being in prison for a little over a year, he received full parole in August of 2025.

NOTE TO READERS: If you find yourself or someone you know in need of support please contact VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808. VictimLink BC provides information and referrals to all victims, as well as immediate crisis response to victims of sexual and family violence.