An emergency-room doctor in Cape Breton has been found guilty of professional misconduct and professional incompetence.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, which released the ruling Thursday, said it would hear from Dr. Stani Osif before deciding on a penalty.

"It could be anything from a reprimand to conditions on her licence, or re-education or training. I guess the most severe would be for her to lose her licence," said college registrar Dr. Cameron Little.

Osif worked for 10 years in the emergency room at the Northside General Hospital in North Sydney before she was barred in 2006 following a complaint.

Last June, the college temporarily suspended her licence to practise family medicine.

Osif appeared before a disciplinary committee last fall to face nearly 40 charges under the Medical Act involving 24 different patients.

A handful of the charges were dismissed, but the disciplinary committee concluded Osif failed to exercise the degree of care and skill that's reasonably expected in a prudent practitioner.

The panel found she failed to conduct appropriate assessments and order appropriate tests, and inappropriately prescribed antibiotics.

Diagnosed ear infection when man had cancer

In two cases involving an 11-year-old girl and a 71-year-old man, the panel concluded Osif's conduct went well beyond carelessness.

Osif saw the girl in December 2005 when she was brought to the emergency department complaining of pain, vomiting and fever. Osif diagnosed a urinary tract infection and sent the girl home with an antibiotic.

The girl was later diagnosed with appendicitis and had two emergency surgeries.

The committee found that Osif failed to do an appropriate physical examination and provided an inaccurate account of the visit by recording an exam she did not perform.

In the case involving the 71-year-old man, the committee said Osif's approach to the patient amounted to indifference to his well-being.

The man made two visits to the emergency department in June 2003. Osif diagnosed an ear infection and sent him home with an antibiotic. He returned eight days later, and though Osif wanted to send him home again, the man's daughter refused.

The man was eventually admitted to hospital and diagnosed with brain and bowel cancer, and died within three months.

No date has been set for the hearing to determine a penalty for Osif.

"There will have to be evidence put forward in front of the committee from both sides, with a recommendation," said Little.