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Toronto pediatrician charged with sexually assaulting young patient

Posted By: James Moore · 3/21/2013 6:19:00 PM

A 78-year old pediatrician is charged with sexually assault a young patient.

Dr. Arturo Sanchez, who has a practice at 474 College Street, is accused of Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, and Sexual Interference.

The charges stem from an investigation that began 3 weeks ago, after Sanchez performed a medical exam on a girl.

Toronto Police have not said how old she is.

Authorities believe there may be more victims.

More than a dozen comments on a webpage that collects feedback on doctors shows gets rave reviews Dr. Sanchez from people who claim to be his patients.

One writes:

"I am a new mom, and everytime I go in and I have a series of questions, they are always answered. Dr. Sanchez is the most caring and heartwarming doctor, you can find out there. He treats you as an equal, not just a patient. When your child is cranky or irritable, he knows how to calm them down and even make them smile back at him! I would recommend this doctor to anyone. Yeah the wait can be annoying, but you will be seen by the best doctor out there! He has the experience under his belt and knows what he's doing! He's a great doctor!"

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  1. carla posted on 03/21/2013 09:01 PM
    This is the best doctor ever. He knows how to calm a child down when they're irritable. He takes his time and answers all his questions. He calms your nerves when you're worried about your child. This is a travesty against one of the kindest man in the world. I'm praying for him and his family during this tough time. These are all LIES!!!!
    1. someone posted on 03/21/2013 11:44 PM
      @carla you must be completely deluded. i personally know that this is the truth. you cannot claim that he is a good man without knowing all the facts. so dont say these are lies when a young innocent girl has been affected. stupid people these days seriously
    show more replies
  2. vilis Lazdins posted on 03/21/2013 09:55 PM
    We live in a society filled with opportunists! I support Dr Sanchez and these news are in contradiction to all he stands for! I know what he stands for! I have known personally and professionally Dr Sanchez for over 30 years, my four children's umbilical cords either fell or were removed at his office. Thanks to Dr Sanchez dedication charisma and love for the human life, helped to diagnose one of rarest skin disorders in one of my son's body, making a quick call to an early detection and control of the same. I insist we live in a society filled with opportunists! I took advantage of Dr Sanchez expertise and kindness! Making me an opportunist too....but for the right reasons.
  3. Wow posted on 03/21/2013 10:06 PM
    There is not smoke without fire. This is a 78 year old Man and what is wrong with this man. How sick for a 78 year old to so sick in his head. My goodness whom can we trust?
    1. Sandy posted on 03/22/2013 08:50 AM
      @Wow Your obviously talking out of ignorance without knowing the Doctor ! Ive known this individual for over 25 years and his the most respectable professional Ive ever met !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    2. Sylvia posted on 03/27/2013 02:24 PM
      @Wow Do not be so quick to judge everyone is innocent till PROVEN GUILTY there are alot of oportunists out there ..... Dr Sanchez is the sweetest people you could ever meet and well respected in his community and 54 yrs service as a doctor helping children and many families

      Support him 150 %
  4. CC from Bradford posted on 03/21/2013 11:46 PM
    My wife and I travel from Bradford to see Dr. Sanchez. He is the most wonderful doctor. Not only do we go there but we were referred by a group of friends who all take their children..Girls and boys there. To the comment were someone wrote were there is smoke there is fire. He has been a doctor in Canada since the 60's. It is really pathetic for someone like WOW to be the judge and jury and executioner for this man. You will find out the truth soon enough when there is no other victims. I'm sure the parent just stood there and let the assult happen too. Give your head a shake.
    1. truth posted on 03/22/2013 07:34 AM
      @CC from Bradford are you stupid? ur treating the assault as if it was a joke? i personally know the victim. do you really think a young girl would simply make this up of the top of her head? stop being retarded and realize that this world is pretty messed up. a doctor facing these charges isnt new so believe it
    2. Parch posted on 03/22/2013 08:21 AM
      @CC from Bradford Yes, he is innocent until proven guilty. When it comes to children though, I say believe them first to protect other children at all costs. Your comment about the parent just standing there is very ignorant. I do not know how old the child is but they may be old enough to be examined without a parent actually present. My son is 14 and he goes in to be examined on his own.
    show more replies
  5. Karen camacho posted on 03/21/2013 11:50 PM
    He has been my kids dr and I never felt he was disrespectful in any way. He is a kind and I'm praying that all goes well. He is innocent until proven guilty and my prayers are with his family.
  6. Michelle posted on 03/22/2013 09:23 AM
    Dr. Sanchez was my doctor for 27 years!!! He knew me since I was born and he still agreed to see me even in my adult age, and these accusations just hurt. Never in the 27 years that I was his patient did I feel or experience any misconduct. His office was always packed with kids because he truly was (and is) one of the very few Paediatricians in Toronto that you could rely on. As many have commented above, Dr. Sanchez has a special charisma with kids and he has done so much for new immigrant families. I personally witnessed how he waived charging non-insured patients for a doctor's visit. We are praying for him and his family in this difficult time.
  7. libna posted on 03/22/2013 09:36 AM
    do not believe in what they accuse the doctor, the doctor is my two daughters for several time, is a great Doctor
  8. Jeff posted on 03/22/2013 09:51 AM
    I know dr Sanchez personally and this is clearly not true.so for you people to judge him on what is a complete false accusation is non sense.look at the article which states during an physical exam.so that means when any dr exams there patients for there personal well being there is a law being broken.thats why the world is the way it is because people like the accuser with this ridicules statement.and when this is all done and dr Sanchez name is free and clear who ever made this false accusation will be punished because every day u have to live with yourself knowing that you tried ruining not only dr Sanchez life but the family and friends as well.so I hope the accuser is reading this and I have to say to you god will punish you
  9. Lufer posted on 03/22/2013 09:57 AM
    I've known Dr Sanchez for over 20 years as he is the doctor of my two kids. First my daughter and then my son. I have nothing but good things to say about him, always very kind and very professional. Everytime we went to see him, he had a smile and never in a rush to get you out of his office. I trusted him for many years and I still do. Remember that you are pressumed innocent until proven guilty in the court of law. Please, let him have his day in court and let police investigate. For the time being I'd like to offer a voice of support to dr Sanchez and his family and I pray to God that he is innocent of this charges.
  10. john posted on 03/22/2013 11:18 AM
    u cant always bleave everything u hear and read about on the net m8
    aney same humman knows that .
  11. Me posted on 03/22/2013 11:19 AM
    @WOW--are you kidding me? Whatever happened to “Innocent until proven guilty!?” I’m not saying that this did not happen, nor am I saying it did. I am saying you cannot assume that this Dr is as you call him “sick in the head” . It’s comments like that which make the world the way it is! It is a very IGNORANT COMMENT!

    I have also known Dr Sanchez all of my life 35+ yrs. He was my paediatrician and then I was lucky enough to have him as my children’s doctor as well. He has always been kind, respecting, helpful but moreover PROFESSIONAL! Think about it people, he’s 78 yrs old and this is the first accusation against him? Something weird about that don’t you think? ! Do we honestly think that this Doctor woke up one morning @ the age of 78 and said, let me put my career and reputation on the line by doing something like this? I THINK NOT!

    I don’t know about you, however what kind of parent takes their child to a paediatrician and says, “You go in ..I’ll wait here.” NO ONE! Especially in today’s society when we all question each other when it comes to protecting the innocence of our children

    Like others have said, let him have his day in court. I know Dr Sanchez has the support of many MANY Torontonians behind him. MYSELF INCLUDED!
  12. Greg posted on 03/22/2013 12:02 PM
    This is why I firmly believe that the name of the accused be kept under wraps until they are proven guilty in court. A false accusation can devestate a career, famliy or life. I'm not taking any sides here - just saying let's understand what the affects of these accusations can be. If found guilty, let the world know. But not until the case is over.
  13. Parent&Patient posted on 03/22/2013 01:38 PM
    As a former patient and now parents of a current patient, we are very shocked at these very serious allegations. We only wish and hope that this matter can be cleared for everyone, for the sake of the alleged victims and Dr Sanchez standing as accused.
  14. Patient for 32 years! posted on 03/22/2013 02:23 PM
    Dr Sanchez was my doctor since birth and he still agrees to see me at my age whenever i need an appointment! I am a female and as a child loved going to visit him! I ONLY TRUSTED HIM! i dont even go to other doctors because of his knowledge, honesty and professionalism. He has helped soooo many people! He is a gentleman!

    As for the victim - she's a teenager AND her MOTHER WAS IN THE ROOM WITH HER! Really???? Give me a break! http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/toronto-pediatrician-faces-charges-of-sexually-assaulting-a-patient/article10167925/?service=mobile

    "The girl’s mother was in the exam room at the time, but did not have a clear view of the alleged incident"

    My family and I are praying for him and his family. God and all of us- your loyal patients -know what an amazing wonderful good hearted person you are!
  15. Andrea posted on 03/22/2013 03:05 PM
    The Doctor is excellent professional, he is always %100 focused for their patients, We can call at any time for help and he never refuses, and cares for the patient's condition untill seeing my son recovered.
    He knows to treat my son and I with the greatest respect!!!!!!
    My son does not see him as a doctor but as someone who helps for good, he is very friendly with patientes.
    I am a woman and I have never felt uncomfortable by his behavior.
    Apart from being an excellent physician, is a great person, always ready for all their patients.
    His office is always filled with people who really feel satisfied with him.
    Should investigate thoroughly before sully his name in public.
  16. patient for 39 years old!!! R. posted on 03/22/2013 03:13 PM
    Dr Arthur is a great person and Doctor, respecting at all to their patients and parents.
    I have no complaints about him, He is a profecional of my highest admiration, and very wise.
    Respect characterizes him!
  17. Angry Bill posted on 03/22/2013 04:36 PM
    It's the standard knee-jerk response in today's society to believe the child (alleged victim) whenever they say anything. It's why Children's Aid is so powerful and untouchable. Seriously. No one can touch them.

    As has been stated here already, it doesn't matter if he's innocent or guilty.. the mere accusation is enough to devastate someone's life. If it's found out he's innocent later, well, too bad. Sorry about your life being over and all. But it's worth throwing a few innocents under the bus to catch one sex offender, right?

    Let me lay a couple of observations on you... I have seen children lie. Most lie, regardless how often their mothers say they're little angels and couldn't possibly lie.

    The other observation is I have never seen a 78 year old professional with a stellar career spanning decades suddenly decide to become a sex predator when there has been no history of that sort of behaviour. People are born sex predators. It's something wrong in their brain. It's not something they just decide to do when they're 78. You have the inclination, or you don't.

    I'm willing to believe that maybe the girl (or the mother) doesn't have a clue what a pediatrician is. They actually have to touch a child to do their job. In today's society, however, if a man touches a child for any reason, well, he's obviously a sex predator.

    It's exactly reasons like this why most teachers are female. What male would want to subject themselves to a baseless accusation that ruins their career and their life?
  18. Susan posted on 03/22/2013 05:23 PM
    Im really sad about this allegations.
    Dr Sanchez is my babie's Doctor,we just love him, he is a great doctor, always taking care of my baby girl when she is sick.He
    is been a babie's Doctor for more than 50 years, I'ts really sad and terrible this situation. I hope that al this allegation aren't true.
    I never saw anything that could indicated this behaviour, I hope everything goes well for everybody.
  19. Natalie posted on 03/22/2013 05:39 PM
    I have known Dr. Sanchez personally and professionally (was also my doctor) and would be willing to bet MY LIFE that this simply is not true. This man is one of a kind and bent over backwards for our family! His job does require close human contact and this was unfortunately misinterpreted. It is a shame that he may have to close out his career on such a note. Our family fully supports Arturo and may the truth set him free!!
    1. Jeff posted on 03/22/2013 06:47 PM
      @Natalie I would bet my life too that this is not true.
  20. know him for 36 years posted on 03/22/2013 09:49 PM
    we have known dr sanchez for 36 years he was my dr and my 3 sons dr, my whole family goes there from my nieces to nephew we have the out most respect for him we cant belive this, im shocked and know this isnt true we support u dr sanchez..

    and people commenting on knowing the victim.. pls go and be with the so called victim.. innocent until proven guilty, and i bet my life hes innocent..
  21. i've known him for 36 years posted on 03/22/2013 10:07 PM
    like my name says-- I have known Dr. Sanchez for 36 years.. was lucky enough to have him as my dr, and now my 3 sons go to him .. I have nieces, nephews and other friends that can confide with him and can always count with his knowledge whenever a problem arises with the kids.!!
    this news and accusations are atrocious, completely a shocker to the hispanic community that know him very well and can vouch for his reputation!
    We are with you and your family through this difficult path you are walking!!
  22. jav posted on 03/23/2013 03:26 AM
    I'm really tired of police and media acting irresponsibly, how they can just expose this man and his family to this without being found guilty, such is the need of police trying to show they are doing their job? (when in reality they are not) and the media trying to sell more? they protect the names of murderers caught infraganti, but not this doctor known by hundreds or thousands of patients that is being accused by a supposedly victim "teenager" (going to a paediatrician), who knows this girl?, did they do a psychological profile on her?, did a social worker study her daily environment?, all this information would be useful to make sure she is telling the truth as it really is or she is misinterpreting a situation that she just felt uncomfortable with. The mother was with her, and I read she stated that she couldn't see what was going on, if you know that office it's impossible to not see what is happening at the exam table, I understand that we need to protect our children but we need to protect the identity until proven guilty, in the case he is innocent who is going to pay for all the damage done, I hope the police and the media from their own pockets not from ours, and the spoke person from the police be fired for irresponsibly manage of information.
    there are hundreds of comments about this doctor that I read, all good not just as a doctor but as a human being except for two that they felt uncomfortable but they went with him for years (personally I feel uncomfortable with some people but that doesn't mean they are predators or murderers).
    Now the police is asking more victims to come forward or !!!!people to generate a story to have their five minutes of fame or feel important?!!!!

    Come on "DO YOUR JOB" do a responsible and thorough police work and real journalism don't just print a paper given by the police.

    I'm not saying this didn't happened, if he is innocent or guilty don't know, the only thing that I know is that he's my 3 daughters doctor for more than twelve years and he never did anything else but being an excellent doctor, and a fine, caring and respectful person.

    Is so estrange more than 40 years being a paediatrician and no one had any problems before. I'm really sorry for this girl, what ever the result of this is.
  23. Romina Monaco posted on 03/23/2013 08:46 AM
    The recent allegations against Dr.Sanchez are just absurd and ridiculous. Dr. Sanchez has been seeing me and my siblings since birth; we are now 23,22 and 28. He retired, but loved his job so much he returned. He is beyond kind, caring and professional , I as a 22 year old GIRL have been attended by him alone since i was 12. Never have I felt uncomfortable seeing him.
  24. García posted on 03/23/2013 09:59 AM
    I was amazed with this situation, I was in the office when on Thursday when the doctor was taken away and I was shocked, I was recommended by a good friend of the doctor who is a friend of mine, I have no bad comments about Dr. Sanchez has been the doctor of my two daughters and for time and so far nothing to comment on, all good for my family has been extraordinary and will remain the doctor of my daughters, I hope everything is clear for good doctor
  25. a posted on 03/23/2013 11:39 AM
    I've known this doctor when I was a kid and my sisters as well this was 25 years that i have known him. He is not only a good man but a good physician. I trust him to the point where I sent my own kids to see him when they were young. He diagnosed my son with nephrotic syndrome and thanks to early detection we were able to resolve it at Sick Kids. We should always believe in the justice system and "Believe a person is innocent until proven guilty". If I didn't know the doctor I would probably make judgement but I know him since I was a kid, The only thing I didn't like when I was a kid was getting booster shots from him. I have changed doctors only because his office was always full and it was a day trip to see him. If out of the thousands of patients this was the only case then there is reason to believe something is wrong with this. Molesters usually have several instances with others not just one. I agree with them making sure the system has due process but in the meantime his reputation is taken to the mud. The was one article that read the mother was in the room with the child but could not see. His offices are very small barely fits 4 people. I don't know if something happened i'm sure I could see everything.... let's all hope that the truth comes out...
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