More lawsuits are accusing former Framingham rheumatologist of sexual misconduct
WOBURN — Lawsuits are piling up against a rheumatologist who formerly worked at Framingham-based Charles River Medical Associates, as more women are accusing him of sexual misconduct.
The first lawsuit against Dr. Derrick Todd, who also practiced at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain, was filed last month. The woman, identified only as Jane Doe, filed her suit against Todd, Charles River Medical Associates and Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital.
The case is impounded, meaning elements of it are not available for public inspection, including the defendant's name and address.
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But according to a court document, Todd asked Doe "invasive questions about her sexual encounters and other personal matters with no relation to the medical care and treatment being provided for potential or actual rheumatological disorders, repeatedly offered pelvic exams and PAP smears despite the plaintiff having gynecological care through other physicians, repeatedly offered to act as her primary care physician despite multiple refusals of same, listed himself as her primary care physician in her medical records without permission or change in care, and indecently and sexually assaulted the plaintiff when he forced her to undergo full bilateral breast exams on multiple occasions under the guise of medical care despite no relation to rheumatological complaints."
Stacey Pietrowicz, an attorney with Boston-based Sugarman and Sugarman, P.C., who represents the woman who filed the first lawsuit, said in a statement previously sent to the Daily News that she is "not alone."
"This lawsuit will expose the facts surrounding the intimidation and sexual harassment of female patients, unnecessary and inappropriate breast and pelvic exams, sometimes during non-business hours, and other abuses he (Todd) committed," Pietrowicz said.
Pietrowicz said Todd temporarily gave up his medical license while he is being investigated by the Board of Registration in Medicine (BORIM) and others.
Class action filed against Todd and hospitals
Since the initial lawsuit, six others have been filed in Suffolk County Superior Court. Of those, one is a class action suit and all but one are malpractice lawsuits.
In one malpractice suit, filed on Oct. 19, a Brimfield woman alleges Todd performed a "medically unnecessary, unwarranted and non-indicated" pelvic and breast examination in May 2023 at Charles River Medical Associates. According to the court filings, "these examinations were conducted in a sexual and exploitative nature and accompanied by sexual commentary. Dr. Todd 'groomed' the plaintiff."
The Brimfield woman is suing Todd, Charles River Medical Associates, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital on 10 counts. The counts include negligence, battery and a few counts of negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
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Additionally, a class action lawsuit was filed against Todd, Charles River Medical Associates and Mass General Brigham hospitals. According to the complaint, Todd performed inappropriate pelvic, breast and rectal exams on patients dating back as far as 2011 and continuing through July 2023.
Andrew Meyer, of Lubin & Meyer, P.C., a Boston law firm specializing in medical malpractice, previously told the Daily News that his firm is moving forward with six cases, although calls keep coming in. Meyer said Todd allegedly performed gynecological exams on women despite his status as a rheumatologist — a doctor that treats musculoskeletal disease and autoimmune disorders.
"Patients should go with their gut if these things seem wrong," Meyer said. "It's important to report these kinds of behaviors because they may be entitled to compensation and it could protect other patients from this."
Doctor denies allegation, through lawyer
Anthony Abeln, an attorney with Boston-based Morrison Mahoney, LLP, who is representing Todd, wrote in an email to the Daily News that "due to privacy laws, Dr. Todd cannot comment on the care provided to any specific patient.
"However, over the course of his 20-year career in medicine, Dr. Todd has been recognized as a skilled and accomplished rheumatologist, internist and primary care physician. He has been fully cooperative with all investigations, including the Board of Registration in Medicine, and is confident that when all the facts are considered — or even litigated — these allegations will be proven to be without merit. All of that will take place in the appropriate forums and not in the context of a media frenzy or a rush to judgement."
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Charles Morris, chief medical officer and senior vice president of medical affairs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said in a statement to the Daily News that an investigation into Todd was launched after the hospital received two anonymous complaints. Todd was subsequently placed on administrative leave once the hospital learned more, and his contract was terminated after an initial investigation.
Another investigation is ongoing.
Charles River Medical Associates provides primary care physicians to residents throughout MetroWest. It has more than 30 locations spread throughout 11 communities, including Framingham, Holliston, Hudson, Marlborough, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Southborough, Sudbury, Wellesley and Westborough.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Ex-Framingham doctor facing more accusations of sexual misconduct
