What happens when a doctor with a sterling career suddenly becomes the target of a medical board complaint? Many professional license defense attorneys hear this question on an all-too-regular basis. As a way to highlight the fallout of complaints like this one, you might want to look at recent inappropriate conduct allegations made against a doctor in Fresno.
Earlier this month, two female technicians accused a physician specializing in urology of sexual harassment and unprofessional conduct. The two women say that this unwanted behavior occurred on “more than a dozen” occasions. This misconduct allegedly happened during prostate ultrasound examinations, which take place in a darkened room where the patient cannot see what is happening.
The specific behaviors were not detailed in the media. However, one of the alleged victims said the conduct was “offensive and extremely uncomfortable.” She also indicated that the events caused her difficulty in performing her duties during ultrasound exams. No criminal charges have been filed against the urologist, but the California State Medical Board says that an administrative hearing will probably take place.
The physician denies the allegations and has asked for a hearing. This will give him an opportunity to create an effective professional license defense that could potentially save his career and reputation. Depending on the outcome of the hearing, one or more of the following could happen to the doctor:
- License suspension or revocation
- Denial of the ability to supervise assistants and nurses
- Being required to pay for probation monitoring, if probation is ordered
- Being subject to additional actions against his license
Cases like this reveal how important it is for professionals to have an attorney and create a response plan in case allegations of misconduct arise. Looking at professional license defense options before trouble occurs can go a long way in protecting the careers of doctors and other professionals.
