A young doctor allegedly took intimate photos of patients at a regional hospital months after finishing his medical degree.
Nicholas Chu, 27, has been suspended while he faces two charges of producing child abuse material and 14 counts of intentionally recording intimate images without consent.
Most of the charges relate to alleged incidents at Orange Health Service, a major hospital in central-western NSW, between January 2022 and February 2023.
Chu, who is on bail and lives in Sydney's eastern suburbs, appeared in Orange Local Court via audiovisual link on Thursday for a brief mention.
His solicitor Nick Hanna said there were "negotiations on foot" over the charges and Chu would likely be committed for sentencing when the case returned to court in April.
Magistrate David Day confirmed there were 15 alleged victims, none of whom can be legally identified.
Eleven of the charges related to offences at the hospital, while others were listed as occurring in Orange or Randwick, according to court documents.
Chu is accused of filming or photographing "for the purpose of making child abuse material" in the regional town in November 2022 and February 2023, the documents said.
He is yet to enter a plea.
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency records show Chu studied at the University of NSW and graduated in 2021.
He first registered as a medical practitioner in December that year.
The website notes his registration is now suspended and he cannot practise in Australia.
Chu will return to court on April 18.
