A 24-year-old intern doctor has been arrested and dismissed amid allegations of unauthorized access to patient data across multiple public hospitals, raising concerns about patient confidentiality within the healthcare system. The Hospital Authority confirmed the seriousness of the incident, underscoring the central role of trust and privacy in the doctor-patient relationship.

According to the Hospital Authority, the intern allegedly accessed the clinical medical system at Caritas Medical Centre in Sham Shui Po using another individual’s login credentials without permission. During this unauthorized access, she reportedly viewed patient information from Tuen Mun Hospital. The intern, who is also active on social media as an influencer, was arrested on suspicion of computer misuse with dishonest intent. In connection with the case, a resident doctor at Tuen Mun Hospital has been suspended pending investigation.

The authority noted that this was not the first occasion on which the intern’s conduct had been called into question. She was previously formally reprimanded for inappropriate behavior during her internship at Ruttonjee Hospital. Disciplinary measures had already been taken against her and another resident doctor over incidents at Caritas Medical Centre.

The arrest occurred near the completion of the intern’s training period, just prior to a fitness-to-practise assessment by her medical school. Observers have noted that the outcome of this investigation may significantly affect her medical career prospects.

Further compounding concerns, the intern had earlier shared on social media images from X-ray sessions related to her own knee treatment, describing such access as a “perk.” This behavior has drawn criticism from healthcare officials who stress the importance of maintaining strict professional boundaries, especially in an era when technology can facilitate the exposure of sensitive patient information.

The Hospital Authority emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on any actions that compromise patient safety, violate established professional standards, or diminish public confidence in healthcare providers. The incident has prompted calls for enhanced training focused on ethical conduct and the safeguarding of patient confidentiality as a core element of medical professionalism.

This case serves as a cautionary example to healthcare workers about the challenges posed by social media use within clinical environments and the imperative of upholding trust in public medical care.