Doctor Caught Driving Under Influence Gets Alcohol Interlock After Responding to Patient

A doctor in Sint-Genesius-Rode has been ordered to install an alcohol interlock device in his vehicle for one year after being caught driving under the influence of alcohol for the second time. The court also imposed a 3,200 euro fine and a three-month driving ban, with half of both penalties suspended.

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I can understand that the Hippocratic Oath plays a role when a patient calls. But I would not want to be treated by someone with 1.8 alcohol in their blood.

The incident occurred on June 21, 2025, when the doctor was apprehended by authorities. His defense argued that he was at a party and had consumed several specialty beers when he received an urgent medical call from a patient. The lawyer stated that the doctor did not intend to drive that evening but felt compelled to respond out of professional duty.

However, the judge expressed a lack of empathy for the doctor's situation, stating, "I can understand that the Hippocratic Oath plays a role when a patient calls. But I would not want to be treated by someone with 1.8 alcohol in their blood." The judge also referenced a previous conviction for a similar offense, noting that a colleague had not imposed an alcohol interlock previously, leading to this repeat offense.

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It was not the intention that he would drive that evening. Out of professional duty, he still chose to take the car.

The defense highlighted the potential practical difficulties the alcohol interlock could cause, mentioning the doctor's pregnant partner and an expected difficult delivery. They also raised concerns about whether the company car's leasing agreement would permit the installation of the device, potentially forcing the doctor to purchase a new vehicle in addition to the 4,000 euro cost of the interlock itself.

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His girlfriend is pregnant and a difficult delivery is expected.