Dr. Derrick Todd, a former rheumatologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, is accused of sexual assault and doing unnecessary examinations by more than 200 women and numerous men in a complaint that was filed. The complaint, which was submitted to the Suffolk Superior Court in Massachusetts, claims that Todd started abusing patients in 2010 by performing invasive tests on them that were not required by medical law, including pelvic floor therapy, breast, testicular, and rectal exams.
The allegations came to light in April 2023, when multiple female patients reported inappropriate sexual touching during their visits with Todd. Subsequent investigations led to Todd being placed on administrative leave in June and ultimately terminated from Brigham and Women's Hospital. He was also forced to leave his private clinical practice at Charles River Medical Associates.
The lawsuit accuses multiple defendants, including Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates, of knowing about the abuse but failing to take action against it. Todd reportedly gained the trust of his patients and became their only physician while performing unnecessary examinations; the victims ranged in age from teenagers to women in their 60s.
Todd reportedly subjected patients to completely unnecessary vaginal, breast, and rectal examinations that included excessive and non-clinical touching. The lawsuit claims that Todd's actions constituted sexual assault, causing severe distress and discomfort to the victims.
Brigham and Women's Hospital responded to the claims by stating that they take complaints of misbehavior seriously and took immediate action in this case. Charles River Medical Associates expressed deep concern and sadness over the allegations, stating that they were not aware of any complaints of inappropriate conduct by Todd.
Todd's lawyer, Anthony Abeln, stated that his client would defend his care as the case progressed through the Massachusetts Superior Court system. Todd concluded a voluntary arrangement with the Board of Registration in Medicine to stop practicing medicine anywhere in the country in September.
Todd has not faced any criminal charges, but law enforcement has investigated several former patients. According to the Boston Globe, Todd was being investigated by the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.
The case emphasizes the significance of confronting misbehavior in the medical field as well as ensuring patient safety and wellbeing. It acts as a reminder to healthcare organizations to act quickly in response to reports of abuse and misconduct.
Overall, the charges against Dr. Derrick Todd have sparked an extensive legal and ethical debate in the medical profession, highlighting the need for greater accountability and oversight in healthcare settings. Overall, the charges against Dr. Derrick Todd have sparked an extensive legal and ethical debate in the medical profession, highlighting the need for greater accountability and oversight in healthcare settings.
(Input from various resources)
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)