The Associated Press

June 14, 1999, Monday, BC cycle

Two doctors sanctioned for sexual relationships with patients

SECTION: State and Regional

LENGTH: 268 words

DATELINE: COLUMBIA, S.C.

One South Carolina doctor has had his license revoked and another had his suspended for having improper sexual contact with patients, the Board of Medical Examiners announced.
Dr. Djalma A. Braga, a psychiatrist at Shaw Air Force Base, had his license revoked June 7 after admitting to a sexual relationship with a patient. Braga told the board he had sexual intercourse with his patient once and hugged and kissed the patient several times.
In 1997, a military court convicted Braga of adultery, dereliction of duty and conduct unbecoming an officer. He was sentenced to six months in at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and ordered to pay $ 90,000.
The board suspended indefinitely the license of Dr. William M. Yates of Columbia and fined him $ 10,000 after Yates pleaded guilty in magistrate court to simple assault.
The board’s investigation found Yates took an 18-year-old female patient to dinner and a nightclub, later returning to Yates’ house. While at his home, Yates gave the woman beer and fondled her. The girl was able to call friends to pick her up.
Yates’ suspension is effective July 20.
One other doctor and a respiratory care practitioner also had their licenses suspended.
Dr. Kathleen A. Grabowski’s license was suspended June 4 after Grabowski failed to submit a specimen sample for alcohol testing required by a private agreement with the board.
John. B. Broughton, III, had his license to practice respiratory care suspended May 29 after failing to enter into an agreement with the board regarding two arrests for driving under the influence.