The healthcare facility where serious allegations of misconduct have arisen.
Dr. William Moore Thompson IV, an infectious disease physician, faces serious allegations of sexual misconduct at Hoag Hospital, prompting over 160 patients to file civil lawsuits. Claims include inappropriate exams and boundary violations. The hospital maintains it had no previous complaints. Dr. Thompson also faces criminal charges and has had his medical license suspended. The ongoing investigation is expected to reveal more details about the troubling history of this case, raising concerns about patient safety and healthcare oversight.
Newport Beach, California – Dr. William Moore Thompson IV, a 57-year-old infectious disease physician, faces severe allegations of sexual misconduct linked to his practice at Hoag Hospital facilities. The accusations have sparked significant outrage as over 160 patients have stepped forward, filing 21 separate civil lawsuits in Orange County Superior Court against the doctor, asserting that he abused his position for personal gain.
The nature of the allegations against Dr. Thompson includes claims that he performed aggressive prostate exams without gloves, fondled patients, made inappropriate comments, and even engaged in sexual acts under the pretense of medical necessity. Some patients reported that he made sexual innuendos and displayed his erect penis during examinations, actions that underscore the gravity of the situation. The claims indicate a troubling pattern of misconduct that allegedly persisted for years, raising questions about the hospital’s response to previous warnings regarding Thompson’s behavior.
Hoag Hospital has denied employing Dr. Thompson, asserting that he held clinical privileges from 2007 until late 2023. Furthermore, the hospital claims it received no complaints about his conduct during that time. However, the civil lawsuits contend that Hoag officials should have been aware of Thompson’s actions, as prior allegations had reportedly been made to both the Newport Beach Police Department and the California Medical Board over seven years before his recent arrest.
In response to the civil lawsuits, Dr. Thompson faces criminal charges involving 13 felony counts, which include sexual penetration under fraudulent representation, sexual battery by fraud, and forcible oral copulation. He has denied all charges and his medical license has been suspended due to serious claims of gross negligence related to patient care and sexual misconduct. The license is set to be revoked in June.
A master complaint filed by the accusers reveals that Thompson may have engaged in inappropriate sexual relationships with several Hoag employees, including nurses and housekeeping staff. Reports of explicit text messages sent by Thompson contain references to sexual encounters, further complicating the allegations against him and signaling a troubling environment at the hospital.
The investigation into Dr. Thompson remains open, with authorities indicating a belief that there may be additional victims yet to come forward. A jury trial has yet to be scheduled for either the civil cases or Thompson’s criminal charges, but the ongoing nature of the investigation emphasizes the seriousness of the matter. Additionally, previous claims against Thompson included an incident of driving under the influence in April 2021, further raising questions about his professional judgment.
Dr. Thompson’s practice primarily catered to patients from the LGBTQ+ community, a segment that often faces numerous health disparities and requires sensitive and appropriate medical care. The allegations have sparked discussions regarding the responsibility of healthcare institutions to ensure the safety of their patients and address misconduct appropriately, making the systemic issues in healthcare more visible to the public.
Hoag Hospital has released statements condemning Dr. Thompson’s alleged actions, reaffirming its commitment to patient care and safety, and signifying its willingness to cooperate with ongoing investigations. As the legal proceedings unfold, the hospital’s response and any subsequent changes to policy will be scrutinized, as many hope that this case will lead to lasting improvements to protect patients from future misconduct.
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