Expert ‘shocked’ dermatologist prescribed adult drug for boy

An expert in skin conditions has told a medical hearing he was “a bit shocked” to learn another consultant dermatologist had prescribed a medication, normally given to adults only, to an 11-year-old boy.

The evidence was heard at the second day of a Medical Council inquiry into allegations of professional misconduct and poor professional performance against Dr Adam Jacobus Smith of the Whitfield Clinic, Waterford.

The council convened the hearing on foot of a complaint from the Munster Dermatology Group, some of whose members treated 12 patients who had already come under the care of Dr Smith.