Ex-Kitchener neurologist Jeffrey Sloka testifies in sexual assault trial

Warning: This story contains some graphic details.

The trial of ex-Kitchener neurologist Jeffrey Sloka continued Tuesday with Sloka testifying for the first time at Waterloo Region Courthouse.  

Sloka answered questions by defense lawyer, David Humphrey, about his educational and professional experience, including inquiries relating to his medical training around women's health. 

Sloka allegedly asked patients to undress so he could perform a physical or skin examination. It's also alleged he touched his patients' breasts. In some instances, it is alleged he inserted his fingers into the patients. Sloka has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Sloka — who went to medical school between 1999 and 2003, did a residency in neurology following that, and a fellowship — told the court that during his training he did three obstetrics and gynecology rotations. 

During this time, he said that he performed things like pelvic exams, pap smears, and breast exams. 

Prior to the start of his practice, Sloka said that he did approximately 50 to 100 breast exams, and that he would perform them as part of his neurological training as well. 

Sloka said that he also performed bimanual, internal exams during the obstetrics and gynecology rotations and that he did at least 50 — but may be as many as 100 — prior to his practice. 

He estimated to have done about 50 rectal exams too, and said that he did about 10 full skin examinations as part of his residency.

Sloka also answered questions about when he would use a stethoscope and perform cardiac exams during his medical training. He said he performed cardiac exams hundreds of times. 

During his testimony, Sloka stressed the lack of resources in parts of the medical system in the region. 

Consent during physical examinations

Sloka said that when dealing with younger patients during consultations, he would have a parent accompany them, and if a parent wasn't available, he'd ask a nurse sit in.

Sloka said prior to any physical examination, he'd explain to the patient what it would entail and obtain consent.  

The patient would have to know what's coming next, Sloka said.

He wouldn't be limited to neurological exams during consultations, he said. He may have done cardiac exams but said that he would obtain consent in all cases.

Sloka had a primary practice at Grand River Hospital but also had privileges at Guelph General Hospital and St Mary's General Hospital in Kitchener.

He was put under restrictions in September 2017 due to the accusations of patients for which he now stands trial.

He was stripped of his medical licence in May 2019. He was arrested four months later in September 2019.

Police announced multiple sets of charges against Sloka and by June 17, 2021, he faced 76 allegations in connection with separate alleged sexual assaults against women in Waterloo region.

However, since then, 26 charges were withdrawn at the request of the Crown.

Sloka is expected to return to the stand on Wednesday as his trial continues.

Read more about this trial and events leading up to it through CBC's coverage here: 

• Kitchener neurologist faces hearing over sexual abuse accusations
• Former Kitchener neurologist stripped of licence after patients sexually assaulted
• Former Kitchener, Ont., neurologist charged with 34 counts of sexual assault
• Former Kitchener neurologist faces new sexual assault charges
• Woman sues former Kitchener neurologist accused of sexually assaulting 63 patients
• Waterloo Regional Police lay 8 more sexual assault charges on former neurologist
• Trial of former Kitchener neurologist opens with summary of years of alleged sexual assaults
• Trial of ex-Kitchener neurologist continues as expert outlines standards for exams
• Intimate exams were 'not necessary', says expert at trial of ex-Kitchener neurologist
• Ex-Kitchener neurologist Sloka documented breast exams on patients, says Crown