In a class action lawsuit, more than 100 women accuse Dr. Derrick Todd, a former rheumatologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, of conducting inappropriate and unnecessary physical examinations.
They claim that Dr. Derrick Todd engaged in pelvic, breast, and rectal exams for his own satisfaction while masquerading them as medical procedures
The alleged conduct, including offensive touching, is deemed as sexual assault by the plaintiffs. Attorney Andrew Meyer, representing the victims, asserts that Dr. Derrick Todd exceeded standard medical examinations, pressuring some patients into undressing for unnecessary breast and pelvic exams. The plaintiffs felt isolated in their experiences.
This lawsuit, filed on Friday, follows two others lodged against Dr. Derrick Todd the previous week, all alleging sexual assault under the guise of medical treatment. Jonathan Sweet, a lawyer involved, anticipates the inclusion of at least 10 more former patients in the case. A separate plaintiff claims Dr. Derrick Todd made inappropriate remarks, coerced nudity, and conducted unwarranted exams involving breast and genital fondling.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, alongside two other practices Dr. Derrick Todd was associated with, is a co-defendant in all three lawsuits. The misconduct allegedly spans back to at least 2011. Another sealed lawsuit against Todd was filed in September.
In response, Dr. Derrick Todd’s attorney, Ingrid Martin, asserts his full cooperation with investigations. She emphasizes Dr. Derrick Todd’s extensive and distinguished career and expresses confidence in disproving the allegations through due process.
Dr. Charles Morris, chief medical officer at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, affirms that the hospital initiated an internal investigation upon receiving anonymous complaints
Following this, Dr. Derrick Todd was placed on leave and subsequently terminated. Charles River Medical Associates, Dr. Derrick Todd’s former practice, expresses disappointment over the allegations, emphasizing patient well-being and encouraging reporting of concerns.
Morris reiterates the hospital’s commitment to patient safety and expresses regret for any harm caused. Dr. Derrick Todd voluntarily ceased medical practice last month, though this action does not imply an admission of guilt.
Dr. Derrick Todd is not the sole physician to face allegations of sexual misconduct. A California doctor recently faced charges of assaulting male patients, while Robert Hadden, an ex-obstetrician, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing patients over two decades. Over 245 patients have come forward with similar claims against Hadden.
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