MEDIA
Omar Sabadia, South Africa Psychiatrist – Sentenced to 50 years in prison for his part in killing his wife – has served 20 years – now wants out
IOL Wife killer turns to high court for parole By Zelda Venter March 22, 2018 Psychiatrist Omar Sabadia He has spent nearly 20 years of his effective 50-year jail term behind bars for his part in killing his wife Zahida Sabadia in 1996, and now Omar Sabadia feels he is entitled to his freedom. Sabadia made headlines when he was arrested for the murder of his wife, who was a university medical student at the time. Zahida went missing in February 1996, and her body was found 22 days later tied to a tree in Ga-Rankuwa. Her husband led [...]
Vincent Berg, long-time Aussie Psychiatrist, faked medical diploma, claims he was trained in secret by the KGB
Daily Mail Gold Coast 'doctor' who claimed he was a qualified psychiatrist trained in secret by the KGB is jailed for fraud after a 13-year investigation By Jacob Polychronis March 23, 2018 Psychiatrist Vincent Berg A fraudster who claimed he was a doctor trained in secret by the KGB faces 14 years behind bars after he was ousted following a more than decade-long investigation into his crimes. Vincent Berg, 67, was on Friday found guilty in the Southport District Court of faking a medical diploma, before maintaining the lie that he was a fully trained psychiatrist for almost two [...]
Delaware Psychiatrist Gregory VillaBona, pleaded guilty in 2002 to two sex offenses involving young girls – in hot water again
Delaware State News Dover psychiatrist fights suspension of medical license by Craig Anderson March 24th, 2018 Psychiatrist Gregory VillaBona DOVER — A Dover-based psychiatrist plans to dispute the suspension of his Delaware medical license and controlled prescription privileges announced by Delaware Secretary of State Jeffrey W. Bullock on Monday. The suspension came “in light of allegations of unprofessional conduct related to the prescription and distribution of opioid medications,” the secretary said in a release. In support of the decision, Secretary Bullock pointed to complaints filed by the Delaware Department of Justice with the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline [...]
Brian Barash, Kansas Psychiatrist – sued for malpractice 13 times in Illinois
Kansas City Star HEALTH CARE Doc was sued for malpractice 13 times in Illinois. He's in 'good standing' in Missouri By Andy Marso March 25, 2018 Excerpt: Psychiatrist Brian Barash In the case of Gladstone psychiatrist Brian Barash, The Star found that his Kansas license page has no information at all about a public reprimand he got from the Missouri board in 2006. The Missouri licensing board found that in the early 2000s, Barash pre-signed blank prescription forms for patients being seen by an advanced practice nurse who worked with him at Comprehensive Psychiatric Associates. One of those patients [...]
Subramanyam Rajagopal, Nebraska Psychiatrist, mentally (paranoia) and physically unfit – shoots 5 times, wounding himself 4 times in police standoff
Lincoln Journal Star Grand jury to investigate death of Lincoln psychiatrist in weekend standoff near Nebraska 2 Riley Johnson March 26, 2018 Psychiatrist Subramanyam Rajagopal A grand jury will investigate the death of a 62-year-old psychiatrist found inside his south Lincoln home following a standoff with a police SWAT team over the weekend. Dr. Subramanyam Rajagopal died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his home at 4001 Gertie Ave. late Saturday, according to a Lincoln police report. Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister didn't identify Rajagopal during a news conference on the standoff Monday morning, but provided additional details into the [...]
Christopher Rowland, Massachusetts Psychiatrist – sentenced to home confinement – prescribed drugs to addicts – one died of an overdose
The Boston Globe Psychiatrist gets 1-year sentence By Judy Rakowsky November 22, 1996 Psychiatrist Christopher Rowland A Jamaica Plain psychiatrist was sentenced to a year's home confinement yesterday after admitting he prescribed addictive medication to drug-dependent patients, one of whom died of an overdose of heroin and tranquilizers within days of filling his last prescription. Christopher V. Rowland, 62, pleaded guilty in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham to writing illegal prescriptions and also agreed to forfeit his medical license. But relatives of James Romano, who had asked the Board of Registration in Medicine to stop Rowland from writing him [...]
Patricia Stamm, San Anselmo psychiatrist, prescribed more than 100 tablets a day of addictive painkillers to a woman later found disoriented in the middle of the street
Pacific Sun (Mill Valley, California) Bitter pills for San Rafael shrink - Psychiatrist gets painful lesson about prescribing painkillers By Ronnie Cohen July 30, 2010 - August 5, 2010 Psychiatrist Patricia Stamm The state medical board has placed a San Rafael psychiatrist on probation and ordered her to study ethics and prescribing practices after she allegedly prescribed more than 100 tablets a day of addictive painkillers to a woman later found disoriented in the middle of the street. Dr. Patricia Stamm faced losing her license to practice medicine in connection with her treatment of the 54-year-old woman who wound [...]
Russell Ferstandig, New Jersey Psychiatrist – patient claims Ferstandig sent him out to buy cocaine
The New York Times RICHARDSON ACCUSES DOCTOR May 7, 1987 Psychiatrist Russell Ferstandig Michael Ray Richardson, the talented but troubled playmaker who was suspended from the National Basketball Association because of repeated cocaine use, charged yesterday that a New Jersey psychiatrist treating him for addiction last year once sent him out to buy cocaine. ''He sent me to get the drug for lab purposes,'' Richardson said at a news conference called to announce a malpractice suit against Dr. Russell Ferstandig. ''He said he wanted to see what I was smoking and how he could treat me.'' Richardson, who says [...]
Gregory Villabona, Delaware Psychiatrist, has history of sexual offenses
The News Journal Despite history of sexual offenses, Dover psychiatrist continues to practice By Margie Fishman March 15, 2018 Psychiatrist Gregory VillaBona A Dover psychiatrist whose license has been on probation off and on for 15 years for sexual offenses and other violations is still seeing patients, despite a recent complaint by the Department of Justice that says he gave a handgun and switchblade to a patient and ingested that patient's prescribed stimulants. Gregory Villabona has been under investigation by the Attorney General's Office since 2016, an office spokesman said. According to the AG's September complaint filed with the [...]
Sajadi Cyrus, Houston Psychiatrist – license revoked after criminal conviction
Excerpted from disciplinary record: HEARING CONDUCTED BY THE TEXAS STATE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS SOAH DOCKET NO. 503-17-5688.MD TEXAS MEDICAL LICENSE NO. G-1766 FINDINGS OF FACT Psychiatrist Sajadi Cyrus 1. Cyrus Sajadi, M.D. (Respondent) holds a medical license in Texas issued by the Texas Medical Board (Board) or its predecessor. 2. On March 12, 2014, a jury convicted Respondent of six felony counts in United States v. Cyrus Sajadi, Case No. 4:11CR00861-002, in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. Respondent was convicted of the following offenses (in the order they appear in the [...]
Wayne Funk, El Cajon psychiatrist, collected surplus drugs from patients – then distributed them out of a basket on his office counter
San Diego Union-Tribune Doctor accused of dispensing surplus pills February 3, 2009 By David Hasemyer Psychiatrist Wayne Funk An 87-year-old El Cajon psychiatrist is facing disciplinary action by the Medical Board of California, accused of collecting surplus narcotics from patients and distributing them to other patients out of a basket on his office counter. The Medical Board says Wayne Funk was negligent in handing out powerful and addictive pain pills and sedatives that had been prescribed for other patients but were returned to his office unused. Funk, licensed in California since 1954, is facing the revocation of his license [...]
John Namala Samuel Rajaratnam
OCWeekly Antipsychotic Meds Incident in Maryland Spurs OC Psychiatrist’s License Discipline By Matt Coker March 19, 2018 A Huntington Beach psychiatrist had his license to practice medicine suspended in California on Thursday, essentially because he had directed a former patient in Maryland to share her prescription of an antipsychotic medication with her minor son. The Maryland State Board of Physicians previously revoked Dr. John Namala Samuel Rajaratnam’s license to practice in that state because he failed to meet with a psychiatrist the board had referred him to see as part of the discipline from the prescription incident. In a letter [...]
Bruce Lief, Philly Psychiatrist, Criminally Charged with Illegally Prescribing Opioids
attorneygeneral.gov Press Release Attorney General Josh Shapiro: Two PA Doctors Charged in Separate Schemes to Illegally Prescribe Opioid Pain Pills March 8, 2018 Psychiatrist Bruce Lief Philadelphia psychiatrist charged in diversion of 24,000 Pills for Cash; Blair County pediatrician charged with diverting opioids to a paramour HARRISBURG — Reflecting the pervasive impact of the opioid epidemic in every corner of Pennsylvania, Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced charges in two separate cases against a Philadelphia psychiatrist and a Blair County pediatrician for illegally prescribing opioids and other drugs to patients. Dr. Bruce Lief, 77, of Wayne, a Philadelphia psychiatrist, [...]
Melvyn Iscove, Toronto Psychiatrist, Had Sex with Gay Patients to “Cure” Them of Homosexuality
Toronto Star Psychiatrist who treated patients for their homosexuality had sex with male patients in his office By Jacques Gallant arch 9, 2018 A long-time Toronto psychiatrist, who believes homosexuality is a “sexual disorder” that can be overcome, has been found guilty by Ontario’s medical regulator of sexually abusing two of his male patients. Dr. Melvyn Iscove, 72, was described in a decision of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario’s discipline committee as having a “special interest in the treatment of patients with problems related to homosexuality.” He also engaged in mutual masturbation and oral sex with two [...]
UK PSYCHIATRIST DAVID BALDWIN CATCHES HELL FOR “DANGEROUS CLAIM” OF “WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS DISAPPEARING WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF STOPPING ANTIDEPRESSANTS”
The Herald (Glasgow) Anger over 'dangerous claims' by psychiatrists By Helen McArdle March 12, 2018 Psychiatrist David Baldwin MENTAL health experts have accused leading psychiatrists of making a "potentially dangerous" claim that most patients' withdrawal symptoms have disappeared within two weeks of stopping antidepressants. A letter signed by dozens of psychiatrists, academics and patients, including in Scotland, has called on the president and the chairman of the Royal College of Psychiatrists to issue an urgent correction. They said the goal of their complaint "is to correct a potentially dangerous misleading public statement". It comes after Professor Wendy Burn, [...]
Bessel van der Kolk, Mass. Psychiatrist, fired from his job over allegations that he bullied and denigrated employees
Boston Globe Allegations of employee mistreatment roil renowned Brookline trauma center By Liz Kowalczyk March 07, 2018 Psychiatrist Bessel Vanderkolk Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a best-selling author on trauma whose research has attracted a worldwide following, has been fired from his job over allegations that he bullied and denigrated employees at his renowned Trauma Center. Van der Kolk was removed as medical director of the Brookline center in January, according to several accounts, although his photo and job description remained prominently on its website until early this week, when the Globe requested information. His firing capped a tumultuous [...]
Korean Psych Kim Hyun Chul may be losing his license – diagnosed celeb without meeting face to face
allkpop Psychiatrist who publicly diagnosed Yoo Ah In with hypomania may be losing his license By jennywill March 12, 2018 Psychiatrist Kim Hyun Chul Psychiatrist Kim Hyun Chul, who previously came under fire for publicly diagnosing actor Yoo Ah In of hypomania based solely on the actor's SNS activity, will be expelled from the Korean NeuroPsychiatric Association (KNPA). After Yoo Ah In became furious with the doctor, the doctor had tried to excuse himself by saying "But I did not become licensed so I could 'Stay put'. To me, it is a duty." He had ultimately deleted and apologized [...]
UK psychiatrist Wendy Burn catches hell for “dangerous claim” of “withdrawal symptoms disappearing within two weeks of stopping antidepressants”
The Herald (Glasgow) Anger over 'dangerous claims' by psychiatrists By Helen McArdle March 12, 2018 Psychiatrist Wendy Burn MENTAL health experts have accused leading psychiatrists of making a "potentially dangerous" claim that most patients' withdrawal symptoms have disappeared within two weeks of stopping antidepressants. A letter signed by dozens of psychiatrists, academics and patients, including in Scotland, has called on the president and the chairman of the Royal College of Psychiatrists to issue an urgent correction. They said the goal of their complaint "is to correct a potentially dangerous misleading public statement". It comes after Professor Wendy Burn, RCPsych [...]
Richard Gorman, Toronto Psychiatrist, pelvic grinding on patient
Toronto Sun #MeToo tips scales against sexually abusive doc By Sam Pazzano March 5, 2018 Excerpt: All of the four doctors, Dr. Richard Gorman, Dr. Joseph Siu-Kan Lee, Dr. Larry Scott Henderson and Dr. Eleazar Humberto Noriega, could return to their practice after serving their suspensions. “If you want to eliminate sexual abuse, you must send a strong message that those who engage in it will lose their licence,” said veteran medical malpractice lawyer Paul Harte. — Gorman, a psychiatrist, then 62, engaged in pelvic grinding and kissed his patient’s breasts. He was hit with a two-year suspension for the [...]
New Mexico Psych Alan Emamdee Sued – 12 former patients accuse him of sexual assaults and abuses
Daily Times Case proceeds against doctor accused of sexual misconduct By Joshua Kellogg March 5, 2018 Psychiatrist Alan Emamdee FARMINGTON — A Santa Fe judge has declined to dismiss claims in a civil lawsuit against Dr. Alan Emamdee and the San Juan Regional Medical Center filed by 12 former patients who accuse the doctor of sexual assaults and abuses. District Judge David Thomson dismissed a motion Wednesday filed by attorneys for the San Juan Regional Medical Center and San Juan Health Partners which sought to dismiss many of the plaintiffs' claims, according to one of the plaintiffs' attorneys, Steve [...]
R N Sahu, Bhopal Psychiatrist, Accused in the case of murder conspiracy
Free Press Bhopal: Hamidia Hospital psychiatrist made accused — By Staff Reporter February 24, 2018 Psychiatrist R N Sahu Bhopal: Psychiatrist at Hamidia Hospital Dr R N Sahu has been made accused in the case of murder conspiracy filed by Fr Anand Mutungal against Archbishop Leo Cornelio and others. The district and sessions court on Friday issued a warrant against Dr Sahu and asked him to appear in court on March 6 to submit his reply. (Free Press has a copy of warrant order). Dr R N Sahu, when contacted regarding the case, refused to identify any of the [...]
Toowoomba psychiatrist charged with rape
South Burnett Times Former Toowoomba psychiatrist on rape charges 27th Feb 2018 by Peter Hardwick UnNamed Toowoomba psychiatrist A FORMER Toowoomba psychiatrist has been charged with two counts of rape. The 48-year-old accused man, who under Queensland law cannot be named unless committed to stand trial on the matters, was not required to be in Toowoomba Magistrates Court today for the brief mention of the case. However, he was represented by solicitor Terani Inoke of Brisbane-based legal firm Avant Law who appeared before the court by telephone. Ms Inoke told the court her firm had received the police brief [...]
Lyn Killick, BC psychiatrist disciplined – business relationship with a patient
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News B.C. doctors college disciplines Maple Ridge psychiatrist Business relationship brings reprimand By Phil Melnychuk February 27, 2018 Psychiatrist Lyn Killick A Maple Ridge psychiatrist has been placed on the conditional-disciplined class of registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. after admitting to failing to maintain professional boundaries with a patient. Dr. Lyn Melvina Killick entered into a business relationship with a patient when she hired that person to do landscaping and excavation work at her personal home, said a release from the college Monday. That violated a section of the college’s standards [...]
Ontario Psychiatrist Christopher Doyle Deemed incompetent – Suspended again
Brampton Guardian ‘Incompetent’: Mississauga psychiatrist suspended again for professional misconduct by Louie Rosella March 1, 2018 Ontario Psychiatrist Christopher Doyle Already disciplined several years ago for having a romantic relationship with a patient while he worked at Credit Valley Hospital, a Mississauga psychiatrist has again been suspended for professional misconduct. The disciplinary committee of the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons found on Feb. 1 that Dr. Christopher Doyle, who is now affiliated with Cambridge Memorial Hospital but still reportedly practices in Mississauga, made a female patient feel “confused, ashamed and humiliated.” The woman also had suicidal thoughts due [...]
Jack Edson, former president of the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association, charged with Sexual Contact with young patients
The Associated Press Psychiatrist Charged With Sex Crime in Hospital June 23, 1983 Psychiatrist Jack Edson A former president of the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association have been charged with having sexual contact with adolescent boys in an Eau Claire hospital. Jack D. Edson, 54, was freed on $5,000 bond Wednesday after a Circuit Court judge scheduled a hearing July 19 concerning the 18-count complaint. William Lamb of the Eau Claire County district attorney's office said Edson is accused of indecently touching patients aged 12-17 between 1979 and May 1983, sometimes telling them the activity was therapeutic. He completed a two-year [...]