An Iowa City psychiatrist had formal disciplinary charges filed against him by the Iowa Board of Medicine on July 12 and will face a hearing in October.

According to a board press release, Sergio Paradiso was charged by the board with engaging in sexual misconduct and unprofessional conduct.

The board accused Paradiso of having a sexual relationship with one of his psychiatric clients in early 2010, the release said.

The board also alleged Paradiso gave the patient gifts, offered her alcohol despite her prior alcohol abuse, and contacted the patient by email and telephone outside of the treatment setting, the release said.

The hearing is scheduled for Oct. 11.

— by Jordyn Reiland