Pierce County doctor surrenders license after sexual misconduct allegations, state says

A Pierce County doctor has given up his physician and surgeon license after he is alleged to have violated sexual misconduct and abuse rules with three patients, according to the Washington Medical Commission.

Ronald S. Golberg is not eligible to renew or reactivate the license, which had been active since 1979, the commission said in a statement Wednesday. He has practiced in Tacoma and helped set up Rainier Hematology Oncology in Puyallup.

The allegations against Goldberg are contained in a Dec. 28, 2022, document released by the Washington State Department of Health. Goldberg is alleged to have violated sexual misconduct and abuse rules from December 2020 to February 2022.

In one instance, he was reported to have touched a patient’s breast while listening to their heart or lung.

A second patient reported that Goldberg instructed them to undress but did not offer them a gown. The report says Goldberg stayed in the room and “made a remark” about the patient’s appearance. At a separate appointment, Goldberg physically blocked the patient from leaving the room at one point.

During a physical examination with a third patient, Goldberg is accused of placing a stethoscope underneath the patient’s shirt without warning or seeking their consent. He later unzipped the patient’s boot to examine the patient’s leg without warning or seeking their consent.

The three patients submitted statements to health officials in April and September 2022.

The health department released its stipulation to a disposition in early March. In it, Goldberg agreed to voluntarily and permanently surrender his license to practice as a physician and surgeon. He announced late last year on Northwest Medical Specialties’ website that he would be voluntarily retiring.