Recently, there was mind-boggling news that a well-known and respected rheumatologist from Boston, Dr. Derrick Todd, is being accused of major wrongdoing. What was that? Well, more than 200 women and a few men have said that Dr. Todd did inappropriate and pointless physical tests on them. These claims bring to light a pattern of alleged abuse that goes back several years. They put light on a troubling case that needs our attention, and this is what we now know as the famous Dr Derrick Todd Lawsuit.
First Of All, Who is Dr. Derrick Todd?
Before we even go on to discuss the case itself, you must understand where Dr. Derrick Todd studied and practiced to become a doctor. You see, in order to become a doctor, Dr. Todd first went to the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and got his degree. After that, he did his residency in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and then went on to get even more training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Between 2009 and 2023, Dr. Todd worked as a rheumatologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates. There, he treated people with arthritis and other joint problems.
What Allegations Were Made In This Dr Derrick Todd Lawsuit?
In April 2023, two unidentified reports were sent to Brigham and Women’s Hospital with the first claims against Dr. Todd. Then there was an internal review, which turned up some very scary information. Patients said that Dr. Todd did breast exams, testicular exams, pelvic floor treatment, and rectal exams that were not medically necessary. They thought that he did these procedures for his own pleasure instead of because they were not even medically necessary. Based on these claims, Dr. Todd’s bad behavior may have started in 2010 and went on for more than ten years. A lot of victims said they felt violated and ashamed, and it was hard for them to understand and report the abuse they went through.
Legal Action and Hospital Response
In Massachusetts’ Suffolk Superior Court, a lawsuit was brought that included the claims of more than 200 women and a few men. Though, Brigham and Women’s Hospital took strong action after the first reports in April 2023. At first, Dr. Todd wasn’t allowed to do sensitive tests without a chaperone. And you should know that he was actually fired in July after being put on administrative leave in June. The Department of Public Health and the state Board of Registration in Medicine were also told by the hospital. Brigham and Women’s Hospital said they were very worried about the claims and confirmed their dedication to keeping patients safe.
What’s in the Lawsuit?
The claim lists several times when Dr. Todd is said to have sexually abused people or behaved badly. Patients said they were given vaginal, breast, and rectal checks that were painful and not needed for medical reasons. Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates are also named in the case as places that knew about the abuse but did nothing about it. If proven, these organizations could be punished by the law in big ways. Settlements could be anywhere from $400,000 to $1,500,000 per person. Higher amounts are possible if it is shown that the institution knew about the abuse.
