Saunders failed to inform patients about the procedures or obtain proper consent, the board says, and in some cases, he didn’t wear gloves or provide proper coverings for the patients. In four cases, the board says Saunders recorded the examinations without the knowledge or consent of the patients. — Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash
A doctor in Ohio has had his license suspended after he was accused of tricking patients to come to his home for ultrasounds and examinations of their testicles, some of which he filmed, officials said.
The State Medical Board of Ohio accused Rudel Anton Saunders of malpractice in a Feb 8 letter.
Saunders was a resident in training at UC Health, a spokesperson told McClatchy News, but he is no longer affiliated with the University of Cincinnati.
Saunders’ profile and contact information has been removed from The University of Cincinnati website. He declined to provide a comment when reached by WXIX.
A UC Health spokesperson told the TV station that UC Health is looking into the allegations.
The board alleges Saunders lied to his patients by saying he was required to conduct ultrasound exams for a training programme. On five occasions between February 2022 and January 2023, Saunders tricked patients into coming to his apartment, where he conducted medically unnecessary ultrasounds on multiple parts of their bodies, including their testicles, the letter said.
Saunders failed to inform patients about the procedures or obtain proper consent, the board says, and in some cases, he didn’t wear gloves or provide proper coverings for the patients.
In four cases, the board says Saunders recorded the examinations without the knowledge or consent of the patients.
The board asserts that Saunders’ continued practice would present a “danger of immediate and serious harm to the public,” and have suspended his license until further notice.
Saunders was given 30 days to request a hearing with the board to defend or refute the accusations and bring evidence or witnesses for his case, at which time the board can make a decision on the status of his license.
The board also warned Saunders that his alleged actions, outside the jurisdiction of the board, could also lead to misdemeanor and felony charges in the state of Ohio, and a financial penalty of US$20,000 (RM88,640). It is unknown whether criminal charges will be filed.
The board did not disclose how it found out about the alleged misconduct and said it will continue to investigate the accusations. – The Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service
