The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners has suspended the license of a Jackson hematology and oncology doctor for the second time. The first suspension came in 2014 due to “unprofessional, dishonorable or unethical conduct” and “engaging in the practice of medicine when mentally or physically unable to do so.” In 2020, the suspension was lifted, and the physician was placed on a five-year probation. Two years later, his license is suspended again. The man failed to attend meetings with mental health professionals and refused to take prescribed medication.
This is hardly the first time the doctor has landed in legal hot water. In 2016, he was charged with harassment and retaliation after making death threats against a judge online. The doctor was released after entering a not guilty plea by reason of insanity. He was ordered to complete an outpatient treatment plan.
This latest suspension means he can no longer practice medicine in the state of Tennessee until the conclusion of his contested case hearing or as ordered by the Board.
The Impact of Multiple Suspensions
Doctors are under immense pressure, and when their mental health suffers, their professional conduct may start to raise eyebrows. Missing a few personal medical appointments and opting not to take a prescribed medication may not normally warrant suspension, but probation raises the stakes on such decisions. While the outcome of his particular license is in jeopardy, the news story highlights what can happen when a healthcare professional faces multiple suspensions.
Suspensions are not license revocations. A single suspension doesn't have to spell the end of someone's career. A probation violation, however, can cause stakeholders to wonder about a person's ability to meet professional standards in the long run. Even if this doctor does manage to have his license fully reinstated someday, he may struggle to find a new position. When faced with the choice between an applicant with a clean record and someone with multiple suspensions, employers will almost always take the safer bet.
What to Do if Your Medical License Has Been Suspended, Revoked, or Denied
Following the suspension, revocation, or denial of your medical license, it's important to get a legal advocate on your side. A professional license defense attorney can assist you in challenging the medical board's decision and help you continue practicing. It's important to approach disciplinary actions with professionalism and care – with your medical license on the line, there's not much margin for error. While your career may be temporarily on hold, a license defense attorney can help you get your license reinstated and your professional practice back on track.
Don't Take Risks with Your Career
If you're a healthcare worker who has been notified by the licensing board of an investigation into your license, don't take any risks. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team can help you understand the stakes and take steps to protect your future. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to learn more.
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