Desperate To Keep the Lights On, Doctor Raids a Business Owner’s Bank Account

A Florida internal medicine doctor who appears to have run afoul of the law might not be allowed to practice in the state much longer.

Virginia C. Phipps, DO, MS, the registered owner of Phipps Health and Wellness in Jupiter, had taken on the role of Medical Director at Transformations Esthetics & Wellness, a spa and skin care center. Phipps was paid for her services at the spa by check. Christie Shumate, the owner of Transformations, was surprised when she discovered Phipps had used the information on her checks to access Shumate’s bank account and pay her own bills out of it.

Phipps’ Florida medical license remains active during an investigation, but it is uncertain for how long. She no longer works with Transformations and appears to have closed her own clinic, at least for the time being. She may even be in the process of relocating to another state.

Any medical professional whose license is in jeopardy needs to act swiftly. The Professional License Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm provides nationwide help to doctors and nurses who need to protect their licenses. They’ll ensure your state’s licensing board follows due process, adheres to the facts in your case, and proceeds fairly. Call our Team today at 888-535-3686 to talk about your case, or send us a message.

A Tale of Desperation

When Transformation’s Shumate checked her account balance, she told WBPF News that she noticed it was lower than it should have been. “The first red flag was I noticed a Verizon Wireless on my checking account, and I don’t have Verizon Wireless,” Looking closer, she saw Phipp’s name next to that payment, a payment to Florida Power and Light, and several payments to a local self-storage company, to the tune of more than $1,000.

If Shumate’s accusations prove valid, it’s clear that Phipps wasn’t using her account to fund vacations or shopping sprees. She was paying her bills — literally just trying to keep her lights on and her cell phone working. And when Shumate stopped payment on the last charge? Phipps called her, texted her, and showed up at the spa to beg her not to.

Clearly, Phipps was struggling financially. When she realized how easily she could access Shumate’s checking account, the temptation must have been so strong that it overrode her better judgment — even board-certified doctors are human, after all, and can succumb to crushing economic pressures as easily as anyone else.

Equally as clear in this case is the fact that the remedy to financial insecurity is not the loss of the license that ensures a healthcare professional’s ability to earn a living and get back on her feet. In fact, Phipps’ actions might well have been the result of a misunderstanding of the terms of her contract with Transformations.

Protect Your License — and Your Livelihood

If your licensing board is considering suspending or even revoking your license, you need a strong defense. The nationwide Professional License Team at the LLF National Law Firm can help. We’ll help you bring out ALL the relevant facts in your case and present a cogent, comprehensive defense that protects your reputation, your interests, and, above all, your medical license. Contact us today by calling 888-535-3686 or sending us a message online.