BRIDGTON – A state board has reprimanded a Bridgton surgeon after he admitted making inappropriate statements to a medical student.

Dr. Robert P. Doyle agreed to accept the reprimand by the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine by signing a consent agreement. Under the agreement, Doyle must refrain from making offensive statements to students, medical staff or patients.

According to the agreement, Bridgton Hospital issued a formal warning to Doyle in December 2007 after a female medical student complained that he had behaved inappropriately toward her and another female employee. The student accused Doyle of making comments such as “Take off your shirt,” “You can come to the ER as long as you are naked,” and “You can come over for dinner as long as you are naked.”

Doyle, who was first issued a Maine medical license in 1973, was also accused of pushing the student into the hospital’s chief executive officer.

The Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine filed a complaint against Doyle in January 2008. Doyle responded to the complaint in February 2008, saying that he frequently says “dumb things” to students and staff to “goof off” due to the serious issues he encounters in his work.

A psychological evaluation of Doyle concluded that he was not suffering from a personality disorder or a substance-abuse problem. Doyle’s willingness to accept a consent agreement canceled an adjudicatory hearing on the matter that would have been held by the board.

Under the agreement, Doyle admitted that he made unprofessional and offensive statements; that the board will take no further action against him in regard to the complaint; and that additional disciplinary action may be taken if he violates the agreement.

According to the Bridgton Hospital Web site, Doyle is certified by the American Board of Surgery and his special interests include trauma, obstetrics-gynecology, and oncologic surgery. He received a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a medical degree from the New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y.

The Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine is responsible for verifying the ability of physicians to practice, as well as disciplining physicians. The board is made up of six physicians and three citizens appointed by the governor.