Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas)

September 8, 2006 Friday

Doctor loses license over sexual contact

BYLINE: JAN JARVIS, STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

SECTION: B; Pg. 12

LENGTH: 895 words

EDITOR’S NOTE: The names of several doctors were inadvertently omitted from this article published Thursday about seven Tarrant County physicians who were disciplined by the State Medical Board. Here is the full article.
The state medical board has revoked the license of Arlington psychiatrist Donald Hughes, who in 2004 was accused of inappropriate sexual contact with three young patients.
Hughes, who practiced in several Arlington locations and the Texarkana area, was also ordered to pay a $55,000 penalty and nearly $2,400 in transcript costs. Hughes’ license was suspended in May 2004 after it was deemed that allowing him to continue practicing medicine would pose a public threat.
The decision to revoke his license was made Aug. 25 after a hearing by an administrative law judge.
It was found that “Hughes committed unprofessional or dishonorable conduct that injured the public, that he became personally and financially involved with a patient, that he engaged in sexual contact with patients and that he failed to practice medicine in an acceptable manner consistent with public health and welfare,” according to board documents.
Hughes was sentenced in a Tarrant County court to three five-year prison terms Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to three charges of indecency with a child.
Hughes can file a motion with the medical board for a rehearing within 20 days of the order. If the motion is filed and the board denies it, the order is final. If the board grants the motion, a hearing will be scheduled.
The attorney who represented Hughes before the board did not return phone calls Wednesday.
Hughes is one of seven Tarrant County physicians and a record 99 doctors statewide disciplined at the Texas Medical Board’s most recent meeting. The number of complaints is not up; the board is doing a better job of proving cases, board spokeswoman Jill Wiggins said.
Fort Worth physician Dr. Philip Cantu was disciplined based on allegations that he performed a procedure in error. He also failed to meet the standard of care in the treatment of a patient for neck pain and failed to appropriately manage treatment of a third patient, the board said.
He agreed to have his practice monitored for three years by another physician, to complete a medical record-keeping course and to pay a $3,000 penalty. He did not return a phone call Wednesday.
Disciplinary action was taken against Dr. Jerry Davis of Fort Worth based on allegations that he did not meet the standard of care in the treatment of a patient who complained of anxiety and hypertension.
Davis failed to take a proper history to evaluate the symptoms or ask questions about other related issues including symptoms of depression, thoughts of suicide and substance abuse, the board said.
He agreed to have his practice monitored by another physician for two years. He must also complete continuing-education classes in record-keeping and the treatment of depression and anxiety.
The order prohibits Davis from supervising a physician assistant. He did not return a phone call Wednesday.
Fort Worth physician Dr. Robert Ranelle was disciplined based on allegations that his notes did not contain adequate information to justify a procedure he performed on a patient with back pain. Ranelle’s post-operative notes also did not adequately document the patient’s progress, according to the board.
He agreed to obtain written consultation for the next three years from a board-certified orthopedic or neurological surgeon before performing nonemergency spine surgery. He must also have his practice monitored by another physician, complete 28 hours of continuing medical education classes each year and pay a $15,000 penalty. He did not return a phone call Wednesday.
Arlington physician Dr. Charles Vavrin, 69, was ordered to complete 10 hours of continuing education and pay a $1,000 fine. The action is based on allegations that he failed to meet the standard of care by not appropriately evaluating a post-operative wound infection. The case occurred in 2000, and no other complaints have been reported to the board.
A representative from Vavrin’s office said he retired from practicing medicine Dec. 31.
Fort Worth physician Dr. Kari Rollins agreed to pay a $500 fine based on allegations that she advertised that she is board-certified by the American Board of Holistic Medicine, which is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Rollins said she is board-certified in holistic medicine and does not think she falsely advertised that. She said she was singled out by someone who is against holistic doctors.
“In 25 years of practicing I have never been sued, I have never had any patient complaints,” she said. “I feel like this is a slap in the face by a physician who does not like holistic health.”
Dr. Bob Sorokolit, a Fort Worth plastic surgeon, voluntarily surrendered his medical license. He stopped practicing medicine because of physical illness, according to the board.
In the know
Texas Medical Board
The automated verification system allows the public to view information about physicians, physician assistants and acupuncturists licensed by the state. Data is available on medical school education, examination scores, professional training and ability.