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An Ottawa surgeon is under investigation by The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa after making an allegedly inappropriate joke.

Dr. Farid Mohammedali Shamji’s academic appointment as a professor at the University of Ottawa has been temporarily suspended while the institution investigates the allegation.

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Shamji will have no direct contact with students and staff until the investigation is complete, a spokesperson for the university said in a statement.

UOttawa is assisting The Ottawa Hospital in investigating the incident, said the statement. “The alleged incident is contrary to the values that uOttawa and the Faculty of Medicine promote which are based on respect. We hold our professors and teaching staff to a high degree of professionalism.”

A spokesperson for The Ottawa Hospital said the investigation is about an “alleged joke” made by Shamji.

“An incident has been brought to our attention and we have begun an investigation,” said a statement from the hospital. “While we cannot publicly comment on individual cases, our values do not condone sexist or any other behaviours or actions that make staff, physicians, patients or visitors feel less safe. We are committed to fostering a respectful and professional workplace.

“The Ottawa Hospital expects all staff to act in accordance with our Respectful Behavior in the Workplace policy which includes standards of behavior and values.”

Shamji responded by email to a request for comment.

“I am unable to make any comment at this time. I am so sorry.” Shamji has been on staff at the Ottawa Civic Hospital (now a campus of the Ottawa General Hospital) in the division of cardio-thoracic surgery since 1983, according to his biography posted on the University of Ottawa website. He was head of the department of thoracic surgery for 11 years ending in 2003 and worked to consolidate the service at one campus, according to the biography. He is a full professor at the university, and has received a faculty award for excellence, according to the biography.

The Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons gave Shamji a lifetime achievement award in September.