University of Dundee - Lecturer forged references

The General Medical Council has ruled that a University of Dundee lecturer forged references he submitted with his application to a postgraduate course. When Rafik Anis, clinical lecturer in cardiovascular medicine, applied for a place on King's College London's doctorate in education programme, he enclosed two references apparently written and signed by Jill Belch, Dundee's head of cardiovascular research, and Karl Karsch, professor of cardiology at the University of Bristol. He later submitted a third reference, purportedly signed by "Professor T. Macdonald, chair of Bristol Heart Institute and academic director, University of Bristol". Professor Macdonald did not exist, the GMC said, and Dr Anis had forged the other two references. In its judgment, the GMC said: "Professor Karsch and Professor Belch stated that they would have provided Dr Anis with good references had he asked for them." It concluded that Dr Anis' conduct represented a serious level of dishonesty and that his fitness to practise was impaired. Dundee has suspended Dr Anis until the outcome of any appeal is known.