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Many doctors accused of sexual abuse fall back on excuses and denials
His actions were "therapy." She was irresistible. He was himself irresistible. He did nothing wrong and his accusers were confused. His accusers were flat-out lying.
Doctors have a variety of rationales, excuses and defenses when accused of sexual misconduct with patients. An investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that thousands of doctors nationwide over the past 16 years have raped, molested, humiliated or sexually exploited their patients.
Among the explanations offered by the accused, according to public disciplinary orders from across the nation reviewed by the AJC:
- A New York doctor said the nine women who accused him had "histories of substance abuse and mental illnesses that distorted their perception."
- A California psychiatrist who sexually abused jail inmates said his work at the facility made him feel "anxious, stressed and threatened."
- A Maryland doctor cited "bad choices in personal relationships" and the "poor choices" that "two adults" make.
- A Colorado doctor said he had a sleep disorder.
- An Ohio psychiatrist said of a patient with whom he had sex, "I could not get her to stop."
- A Kentucky doctor said a woman accused him of repeatedly molesting her because he'd rejected her advances.
Read the full story from the AJC’s Doctors & Sex Abuse investigation on doctors.ajc.com
