Harvard psychiatrist surrenders license

Posted on Oct 18, 2012 in Science | 0 comments

A Harvard eating-disorder specialist has given up his medical license after it was found he engaged in sexual misconduct with a bulimic patient, officials said.

Psychiatrist David B. Herzog tendered his resignation to the Board of Registration in Medicine, which accepted it Wednesday, the Boston Globe reported.

The board said it had been contacted by the woman who was Herzog’s patient and was compelled to take “the most serious, immediate, and impactful action allowed by law in order to protect the public and prevent this physician from ever practicing medicine again.”

Findings of an administrative magistrate said a friendly relationship between Herzog and the woman, referred to as Patient A, began during office visits and frequent emails in 2009 and 2010, and resulted in a sexual encounter at her home in August 2010 while her husband was away.

Herzog, 66, is founder of the Harris Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, a research center for eating disorders, provide advocacy and education, and treats patients.

While surrendering his medical license, Herzog denied the charges of sexual misconduct, his attorney said.

“These allegations are absolutely baseless, and Dr. Herzog categorically denies them,” lawyer David Gould said in a statement.

“Despite his strong desire to defend himself against this injustice, he chose to voluntarily resign his medical license because he believed it was the best way he could continue to help people,” Gould said.

Herzog is still employed by Massachusetts General in a non-clinical role that does not involve patient contact, a hospital spokeswoman said.

“Now that the Board of Registration in Medicine has accepted his resignation, MGH will determine an appropriate course,” spokeswoman Peggy Slasman said.

Copyright 2012 by United Press International