Former Brigham physician accused of performing pointless pelvic and breast exams

Well being

Dr. Derrick Todd parted methods with Brigham and Ladies’s Hospital and agreed final month to cease practising medication.

A former Brigham and Ladies’s Hospital rheumatologist is embroiled in a authorized battle amid accusations that he carried out medically pointless breast and pelvic exams.

First reported by The Boston Globe, the allegations got here to gentle after Dr. Derrick Todd parted methods with Brigham and Ladies’s on the finish of July. Todd’s resignation adopted an investigation into complaints made towards the distinguished doctor, based on Dr. Charles Morris, BWH chief medical officer and senior vp of medical affairs.

“After receiving two nameless complaints about Dr. Derrick Todd, we instantly launched an investigation after which positioned Dr. Todd on administrative depart as soon as we discovered extra,” Morris mentioned in a press release. “We decided to terminate his employment after the conclusion of that preliminary investigation.”

Todd opted to resign as soon as Brigham and Ladies’s determined to finish his employment, a hospital spokesperson clarified. 

An incident report filed with the state Division of Public Well being and obtained by the Globe states that the hospital obtained complaints from two individuals who recognized themselves as physicians and raised considerations about one other physician, later recognized as Todd. One grievance questioned whether or not a pelvic examination had been acceptable, based on the Globe. 

The hospital later heard from two sufferers who had “considerations with breast examinations” the physician carried out, and a 3rd “who expressed considerations relating to repeated pelvic examinations,” the newspaper reported, citing the incident report. 

In Todd’s on-line profile, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medication describes a few of the allegations made towards him as “gynecology associated” and “improper selection of remedy.” 

Todd will defend himself ‘vigorously’ towards allegations, legal professional says

Final month, Todd agreed to cease practising medication in Massachusetts and in different states, signing a voluntary settlement that doesn’t admit to or acknowledge any wrongdoing on his half.

Nevertheless, his authorized troubles don’t finish there; Todd can be going through a medical malpractice lawsuit in Middlesex Superior Courtroom, filed on Sept. 29. The grievance names Brigham and Ladies’s Faulkner Hospital, the place Todd was chief of medical rheumatology, and Charles River Medical Associates, the place he was a rheumatologist and first care doctor. 

The lawyer who introduced the swimsuit, Stacey Pietrowicz, advised the Globe she represents a couple of girl who was allegedly “abused by Dr. Todd underneath the guise of medical care, each at Charles Medical River Associates in Framingham and a number of Brigham and Ladies’s Hospital areas.”

A decide has sealed the case paperwork pending an Oct. 17 listening to. Boston.com has reached out to Pietrowicz for remark. 

“There may be each indication these girls will not be alone,” Pietrowicz advised the Globe. “This lawsuit will expose the info surrounding the intimidation and sexual harassment of feminine sufferers, pointless and inappropriate breast and pelvic exams, generally throughout non-business hours.”

The Globe additionally reported that the Suffolk County District Lawyer’s Workplace and the Boston Police Division are investigating sexual assault allegations made towards Todd, citing an nameless legislation enforcement official accustomed to the case. Boston.com has reached out to the Boston Police Division for affirmation; the Suffolk DA’s workplace mentioned it isn’t commenting presently. 

In a press release on Todd’s behalf, his legal professional, Ingrid Martin, mentioned Todd has not seen the allegations “in any lawsuit filed towards him.”

“Over the course of his profession he has been an impressive rheumatologist and internist,” Martin mentioned. “To the extent that anybody is bringing claims towards him, Dr. Todd believes that he has achieved nothing mistaken and can defend towards such claims vigorously. We’re cooperating absolutely with any investigation by the Board of Registration in Medication.”

What now?

Morris mentioned Brigham and Ladies’s has reached out to Todd’s present and former sufferers to supply info and assets because the hospital’s investigation continues. 

“We deeply remorse the hurt this has brought about to our sufferers and their households,” he mentioned. “Proper now, our focus is on our sufferers and caring for all of their wants, with the hope of finally restoring their belief in well being care.” 

At Charles River Medical Associates, Dr. Joseph Harrington mentioned the follow — the place Todd noticed a few of his sufferers starting in 2010 — had not obtained and was not conscious of any complaints from sufferers, workers, or different medical doctors relating to inappropriate conduct. Todd’s final day on the Framingham workplace was July 26, Harrington mentioned in a press release. 

“We’re within the technique of speaking with sufferers and offering them with a chance to report any considerations they’ve about care they obtained from Dr. Todd,” he mentioned, including that the follow is absolutely cooperating with native and state authorities.

“We’re upset and saddened by these disturbing allegations,” Harrington mentioned. “Nothing is extra essential to Charles River Medical Associates than the well being and security of these sufferers who obtain care at our follow.”