DOCTOR INVESTIGATED FOR RACIAL REMARKS AND ADVISING PATIENT TO KILL HERSELF!!!!! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Ireneparalegal · 08-31-2005, 11:16 AM

Wednesday, August 31, 2005
State investigates doctor accused of racial remark to obese woman

By J.M. HIRSCH
Associated Press Writer

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The state is investigating a physician accused of telling a patient she was so obese she might only be attractive to black men and advising another to shoot herself following brain surgery.

"Let's face it, if your husband were to die tomorrow, who would want you?" the state Board of Medicine says Dr. Terry Bennett told the overweight patient in June 2004.

"Well, men might want you, but not the types you want to want you. Might even be a black guy," it quoted him as saying, based on the woman's complaint.

The board said it also is taking a second look at a 2001 allegation — deemed unfounded at the time — that Bennett told a woman recovering from brain surgery to buy a pistol and shoot herself to end her suffering.

Bennett made national news last week when the complaint from the obese woman became public without any mention of the racial comment. But Senior Assistant Attorney General Richard Head, who leads the state Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau, said Tuesday the woman complained about the racial remark, not about being lectured.

In a telephone interview Tuesday from Rochester, Bennett defended his message to her, saying he has read polls that say black men prefer overweight women.

Bennett, who treated members of the bin Laden family while practicing in Saudi Arabia from 1974 to 1981, denied wrongdoing Tuesday. He also said he is angry the board is reconsidering the 2001 complaint.

"That patient is currently in a nursing home completely demented, tied to a chair drooling on herself and doesn't recognize anybody," said Bennett, 67. "She was in pretty nearly that condition at the time she filed that complaint."

As for the obese woman, Bennett said he gives the same — admittedly harsh — lecture to every obese female patient, and feels it would be bad medicine not to. He said he is sorry the woman was offended, but that he has apologized.

Charles Douglas, Bennett's lawyer, said his client is being attacked by the board, which, by its own rules, does not discipline doctors for bedside manner. "If a patient does not like the message, go to another doctor," Douglas said.

Head said the 2001 complaint is being considered as part of a review of Bennett's overall adherence to medical ethics. Head's office investigates complaints against doctors, though the board decides how to act on them.

Head said privacy laws prevent him from saying whether Bennett faced other complaints prior to 2001. Privacy rules also prevent the board from disclosing the women's names.

The board can do nothing or fine, reprimand or suspend doctors. It also can revoke doctors' licenses or require them to attend classes or treatment, such as when substance abuse is a factor.

Earlier this year, Bennett rejected an effort by the board to resolve the latest complaint. The board wanted him to admit he had made a mistake and to attend a class on medical ethics, which he called "touchy feely school."

Bennett previously was cited by the board in 1995, when, as part of a settlement to avoid discipline, he admitted lying on his 1992 and 1993 medical license renewal applications about being denied hospital privileges. He was fined $1,000.

Bennett also was in the news last year when the Harvard alumnus led a campaign urging classmates to withhold donations to the school. He was upset at news the school paid millions to the managers of its endowment fund.

James"Thunder"Early · 08-31-2005, 11:25 AM

That's ridiculous for a doctor to tell someone to kill themself.

Ireneparalegal · 08-31-2005, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leland McKenzie

That's ridiculous for a doctor to tell someone to kill themself.

IN THE WORDS OF MIKE TYSON, "That's Ludicrous!!!!!" Crazy story. I can't believe his license wasn't taken away sooner and slapped with a HUGE fine. He also needs therapy!!!!!

¤I Love Clay Aiken¤ · 08-31-2005, 11:33 AM

That was in the Conway Daily Sun last week. They said nothing though about racial remarks and suicide, but Im pretty sure it was somebody else. The lady got offended because the doctor told her she needs to lose weight to be healthy and avoid complications. So she sues.

¤I Love Clay Aiken¤ · 08-31-2005, 11:34 AM

Nevermind, just read the whole article. Its the same story.

Ireneparalegal · 08-31-2005, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ¤I Love Clay Aiken¤

Nevermind, just read the whole article. Its the same story.

I was ready to respond when I scrolled down and saw your little memo above. Yes!!!! it's the same doctor. More info coming out on him which is why it's in the paper again this week. Can't wait to find out the end result of this.

¤I Love Clay Aiken¤ · 08-31-2005, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

I was ready to respond when I scrolled down and saw your little memo above. Yes!!!! it's the same doctor. More info coming out on him which is why it's in the paper again this week. Can't wait to find out the end result of this.

Yah, def. Last week when I first read it I was like.. come on lady doctors are SUPPOSED to tell you that. But after reading all this, he doesnt sound like a very qualified doctor.

Ireneparalegal · 08-31-2005, 12:36 PM

I hear what you are saying...I felt the same way, I HAD ASSUMED the same thing. I thought, what now???? An obese person became offended at what????? THE TRUTH!!!! BUT it turned out it was way more that that!!!!! How ignorant and idiotic that doctor is. He gives good doctors a real bad name.

MsOrange · 08-31-2005, 02:37 PM

I saw this guy on the Today Show, and like Crystal, I was like "GEEZ, woman, get over it..." but now I just dunno. I know there are two sides to every story, so we'll never really know the truth. But the "black guy" comment is def. grounds for some kind of fine, class, something... that's just tacky.

Number 9 Dream · 08-31-2005, 02:45 PM

Ok, just because the woman is overweight doesn't mean the doctor had ANY right to make those offensive comments. There's a nice, helpful way to go about things and an offensive one and he definately took it down that route. I suggest he learns some tact, or better yet, find a more suitable job.

Kay Scarpetta · 08-31-2005, 04:39 PM

Just because the brain-surgery woman is pretty much a vegetable now, that doesn't mean he was the right to tell her to kill herself. Ugh.

Hollow · 08-31-2005, 06:28 PM

LOL. what a moron. if my psychiatrist told me to kill myself i would tell on him.

rusyd · 08-31-2005, 06:46 PM

Wow. What a terrible doctor. Nice bedside manner.

Courtnee · 08-31-2005, 07:19 PM

meh. the guy is evil.

Ireneparalegal · 09-01-2005, 02:42 AM

That doctor needs a good A** WHOOPING...how dare he tell anyone to kill themselves. It makes me wonder, how many other patients did he talk to this way and they never came forward!!!!

08-31-2005, 11:16 AM	#1
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	DOCTOR INVESTIGATED FOR RACIAL REMARKS AND ADVISING PATIENT TO KILL HERSELF!!!!! Wednesday, August 31, 2005 State investigates doctor accused of racial remark to obese woman By J.M. HIRSCH Associated Press Writer CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The state is investigating a physician accused of telling a patient she was so obese she might only be attractive to black men and advising another to shoot herself following brain surgery. "Let's face it, if your husband were to die tomorrow, who would want you?" the state Board of Medicine says Dr. Terry Bennett told the overweight patient in June 2004. "Well, men might want you, but not the types you want to want you. Might even be a black guy," it quoted him as saying, based on the woman's complaint. The board said it also is taking a second look at a 2001 allegation — deemed unfounded at the time — that Bennett told a woman recovering from brain surgery to buy a pistol and shoot herself to end her suffering. Bennett made national news last week when the complaint from the obese woman became public without any mention of the racial comment. But Senior Assistant Attorney General Richard Head, who leads the state Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau, said Tuesday the woman complained about the racial remark, not about being lectured. In a telephone interview Tuesday from Rochester, Bennett defended his message to her, saying he has read polls that say black men prefer overweight women. Bennett, who treated members of the bin Laden family while practicing in Saudi Arabia from 1974 to 1981, denied wrongdoing Tuesday. He also said he is angry the board is reconsidering the 2001 complaint. "That patient is currently in a nursing home completely demented, tied to a chair drooling on herself and doesn't recognize anybody," said Bennett, 67. "She was in pretty nearly that condition at the time she filed that complaint." As for the obese woman, Bennett said he gives the same — admittedly harsh — lecture to every obese female patient, and feels it would be bad medicine not to. He said he is sorry the woman was offended, but that he has apologized. Charles Douglas, Bennett's lawyer, said his client is being attacked by the board, which, by its own rules, does not discipline doctors for bedside manner. "If a patient does not like the message, go to another doctor," Douglas said. Head said the 2001 complaint is being considered as part of a review of Bennett's overall adherence to medical ethics. Head's office investigates complaints against doctors, though the board decides how to act on them. Head said privacy laws prevent him from saying whether Bennett faced other complaints prior to 2001. Privacy rules also prevent the board from disclosing the women's names. The board can do nothing or fine, reprimand or suspend doctors. It also can revoke doctors' licenses or require them to attend classes or treatment, such as when substance abuse is a factor. Earlier this year, Bennett rejected an effort by the board to resolve the latest complaint. The board wanted him to admit he had made a mistake and to attend a class on medical ethics, which he called "touchy feely school." Bennett previously was cited by the board in 1995, when, as part of a settlement to avoid discipline, he admitted lying on his 1992 and 1993 medical license renewal applications about being denied hospital privileges. He was fined $1,000. Bennett also was in the news last year when the Harvard alumnus led a campaign urging classmates to withhold donations to the school. He was upset at news the school paid millions to the managers of its endowment fund.
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08-31-2005, 11:25 AM	#2
James"Thunder"Early Whoever's In New England Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 23, 2004 Location: The Apollo Posts: 7,088	That's ridiculous for a doctor to tell someone to kill themself.
	__________________ Esther Anderson: Get thee behind me, Satan, but I'm gon' get behind you, 'cause I'm gonna put my foot in your--- Peggy Mitchell: Get outta my pub! You better pray you get the last laugh, it's a kick in the teeth when you don't get it.

08-31-2005, 11:33 AM	#4
¤I Love Clay Aiken¤ MISS APRIL Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 19, 2001 Location: Parsonsfield ME Shaws - Screwing my way up the employment ladder! Posts: 68,780	That was in the Conway Daily Sun last week. They said nothing though about racial remarks and suicide, but Im pretty sure it was somebody else. The lady got offended because the doctor told her she needs to lose weight to be healthy and avoid complications. So she sues.
	__________________ DAVID COOK FOR AMERICAN IDOL

08-31-2005, 02:45 PM	#10
Number 9 Dream That '70s Girl Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 18, 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 5,875	Ok, just because the woman is overweight doesn't mean the doctor had ANY right to make those offensive comments. There's a nice, helpful way to go about things and an offensive one and he definately took it down that route. I suggest he learns some tact, or better yet, find a more suitable job.
	__________________ Live a little be a gypsy get around http://www.librarything.com/profile/skelterhelter http://retrogirl82.dvdaf.com/owned formerly Retrogirl82

08-31-2005, 04:39 PM	#11
Kay Scarpetta Defy Gravity 8.26.05 Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 04, 2001 Location: La Vie Boheme Posts: 28,013	Just because the brain-surgery woman is pretty much a vegetable now, that doesn't mean he was the right to tell her to kill herself. Ugh.
	__________________ The people who think they know everything about Broadway make me laugh. They've never seen a Broadway play in their life. "oh mi godddd RENT's a mooovie! lyke 525600 minuuuuuuutes!" No. To be a Broadway Freak, you must live, eat, sleep, study, devout, think, obsess, dream, believe Broadway. You must know original & revival casts, soundtracks, performance runs, dates, theatres, numbers, how many Tony Awards A Chorus Line won. You must be Broadway. That's right bitches. I AM Broadway.

08-31-2005, 11:34 AM	#5
¤I Love Clay Aiken¤ MISS APRIL Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 19, 2001 Location: Parsonsfield ME Shaws - Screwing my way up the employment ladder! Posts: 68,780	Nevermind, just read the whole article. Its the same story.

08-31-2005, 12:36 PM	#8
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	I hear what you are saying...I felt the same way, I HAD ASSUMED the same thing. I thought, what now???? An obese person became offended at what????? THE TRUTH!!!! BUT it turned out it was way more that that!!!!! How ignorant and idiotic that doctor is. He gives good doctors a real bad name.

08-31-2005, 02:37 PM	#9
MsOrange Bringin' Sexy Back Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 27, 2004 Posts: 6,133	I saw this guy on the Today Show, and like Crystal, I was like "GEEZ, woman, get over it..." but now I just dunno. I know there are two sides to every story, so we'll never really know the truth. But the "black guy" comment is def. grounds for some kind of fine, class, something... that's just tacky.

08-31-2005, 06:28 PM	#12
Hollow Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 16, 2001 Posts: 30,406	LOL. what a moron. if my psychiatrist told me to kill myself i would tell on him.

08-31-2005, 06:46 PM	#13
rusyd Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Mar 30, 2004 Posts: 13,505	Wow. What a terrible doctor. Nice bedside manner.

08-31-2005, 07:19 PM	#14
Courtnee MAN VS SAMMICH. Forum Star Join Date: Mar 23, 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 16,413	meh. the guy is evil.
	__________________ Whether I'm the rose of sheer perfection A freckle on the nose of life's complexion The Cinderella or the shine apple of its eye I gotta fly once, I gotta try once, Only can die once, right, sir? Ooh, life is juicy, juicy and you see, I gotta have my bite, sir. Get ready for me love, 'cause I'm a "comer" I simply gotta march, my heart's a drummer Don't bring around the cloud to rain on my parade

09-01-2005, 02:42 AM	#15
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	That doctor needs a good A** WHOOPING...how dare he tell anyone to kill themselves. It makes me wonder, how many other patients did he talk to this way and they never came forward!!!!