The gynecologist who signed the HIV report may have acted in “job diversion.”

The rules, which have been in place by the college since the 1950s and were last updated seven years ago, state that “the pathology laboratory must have, as technical director, a doctor with the title of pathologist (…). They also point out that “internal and/or external control and monitoring of the quality of cytopathology reports issued by physicians should only be carried out by duly registered cytopathologists (…)”.

If a laboratory is “multidisciplinary” and produces analyzes from different specialties, the CFM says, the technical director may be from a specialty other than the pathologist, as long as there is “a match between the job title and the care services provided.”

Walter has been registered with the Regional Medical Board of Rio, Kremerge, since 1996. The list of specialists of the Board indicates his specialization in “Obstetrics and Gynecology”. On an appointment-booking website, it also states that his work focuses on topics such as menopause, hormone replacement, and gynecological surgery—hence, no mention of pathology.

It is Walter’s signature, as artistic director, that appears in the first case of an HIV-positive organ donor whose tests by PCS Lab Saleme supposedly did not indicate the presence of the virus. Three transplant recipients became infected in this case alone in January. Three more, in May.

Yesterday, Kremerge opened an investigation to investigate the role of doctors in the series of possible errors that led to the very serious failure of organ transplants. Walter and his work in the laboratory are the focus of the analysis that will begin in the next few days. He is also a partner in PCS Lab Saleme, and is the only doctor in the three-person group officially in charge of the company.

Among the more serious aspects, Kremerge must analyze why the gynecologist led PCS Lab Saleme. “Career deviation,” amid errors or falsification in exams (Anvisa did not find any tests on the site), would be considered a “minor crime,” but it would still be subject to punishment by the professional body.

It would be to Walter’s advantage if, at the laboratory address, in Nova Iguaçu (RJ), he also offered services as a gynecologist – which might be the justification for his work at the institution. However, the company’s website does not mention gynecology in its services. On another page, dedicated to his own activity targeting women, Walter states that he serves two interests. None of them are from the lab.