Doctor accused of assaulting 120 women during examinations
Crime
Lawsuit alleges he conducted exams solely for sexual gratification
(Web Desk) - A class-action lawsuit has been filed by a group of women who claim that a doctor based in Boston conducted unnecessary physical examinations for the purpose of sexually assaulting them.
The lawsuit alleges that Dr Derrick Todd, a former rheumatologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital conducted pelvic, breast, and rectal exams solely for his sexual gratification under the pretense of delivering care to his patients.
The patients involved in the lawsuit assert that this conduct constitutes sexual assault.
The lawsuit alleges that Todd "breached his duty of care when he performed inappropriate bodily examinations, practiced gynecological medicine in an unauthorized manner, and sexually assaulted patients under the auspices of providing medical care."
Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE, Andrew Meyer, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, said more than 120 women have joined the lawsuit.
“All of their statements are rather incriminating regarding Dr. Todd’s conduct,” Meyer alleges to PEOPLE. “They have all repeated and alleged the same inappropriate conduct and excessive examinations.”
Meyer, who filed the suit in Suffolk Superior Court, claims that because Todd was a rheumatologist, his exams “should not have involved breast examinations and should not involve vaginal examinations.”
Meyer says that for any vaginal or breast examination, it's mandatory to have a nurse or chaperone present.
The lawsuit claims these alleged incidents occurred over an extended period spanning several years, commencing as early as 2011 and persisting until July 2023.
In a statement issued to PEOPLE, Brigham and Women's Hospital explained that it was during this period that Todd became the subject of investigation by both the hospital and the Board of Registration in Medicine.
The hospital initially suspended Todd, who held the position of Chief of Clinical Rheumatology at Brigham's Faulkner Hospital.
According to the statement, the hospital terminated Todd on July 31 following an initial investigation prompted by complaints from two other physicians.
The hospital also reported Todd's departure to the Department of Public Health and the Board of Registration in Medicine.
In addition, all of Todd's active patients were informed that he was no longer employed, and they were given guidance on transitioning their care.
