• 23
  • June
    2011

In our previous post, we began discussing a story of a Minnesota physician who relocated to Texas and was accepted by the Texas Medical Board and allowed to practice medicine in the state of Texas following a string of medical malpractice suits costing his former employer over $3.2 million dollars.

According to sources, the physician had accumulated nine medical malpractice suits and sanctions from the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice for engaging in "unethical and unprofessional conduct." Somewhat surprising, since at the time the physician moved from Duluth back in 2008, two patients had died and one woman was left paralyzed as a result of his work. Six others also claimed to have suffered serious physical harm as a result of his services. And there still are several open cases against the physician, according to sources.

At the time of his relocation, he had practiced medicine for almost a decade, and was one of the most highly paid physicians at St. Luke's. But various physicians had presented concerns to hospital administration concerning the doctor, one as far back as 10 years ago.

In the midst of that process, however, the Minnesota physician took a job in Corpus Christi, where is also is licensed as a physician.

But the Texas Medical Board chose, earlier this month, not to adopt the MN disciplinary actions, and instead chose to allow the physician to practice medicine free and clear. The Texas Medical Board typically will adopt any such actions or sanctions against a physician which are imposed by a state where the physician previously practiced. Sources did not indicate the reasons for the Texas Medical Board's decision.

St. Luke's, though, stands behind the doctor, and says that he performed "thousands of difficult and life-saving surgeries on thousands of patients."

Given all the legal proceeding surrounding the physician's work, it is a bit concerning that he was accepted without condition and allowed to practice medicine in the state of Texas.

Source: Duluth News Tribune, "Multiple allegations against former St. Luke's doctor," Bandon Stahl and Mark Stodghill, 29 May 2011.