Ohio medical board investigating former Cleveland Clinic surgeon over rape allegations: 7 things to know

The Ohio Board of Medicine has launched an investigation into a former Cleveland Clinic surgeon who was accused of raping at least two patients while at the institution, according to USA Today.

Here are seven things to know about the situation.

1. As part of its investigation, the Ohio Board of Medicine reportedly subpoenaed Cleveland Clinic medical records for other procedures performed by Ryan Williams, MD, during his time at the institution. A spokesperson for the medical board told the publication state law prohibits the board from confirming or denying investigations.

2. The case came to light after a USA Today investigation earlier this month claimed Cleveland Clinic kept Dr. Williams on staff despite knowing of the rape allegations against him. The health system also reportedly reached a confidential settlement with one of the patients.   

3. USA Today reviewed the most recent complaint against Dr. Williams, which was filed with the medical board Jan. 16. The complaint was filed by a former Cleveland Clinic nurse on behalf of the alleged victim.

4. The Cleveland Clinic told USA Today in a statement Dr. Williams was required to have a chaperone in the room when he was with female patients during the time period in which he was being investigated by Ohio police for the rape allegations in 2008.  

A Cleveland Clinic spokesperson also commented to USA Today on the allegations against Dr. Williams, stating they "were concerning, and we immediately reported them to the authorities. When the second patient came forward in 2014, five years had gone by — but again, the police came and investigated and had no evidence that anything occurred. We typically don’t terminate employees over unsubstantiated allegations that were thoroughly investigated."

5. During a December interview with USA Today, Dr. Williams said he "vehemently [denies] what these women are saying," and claimed he always had a chaperone with him. However, Dr. Williams' former medical assistant told police it was not always possible for someone to be in the room while Dr. Williams was with female patients because of "staffing issues," according to a police report obtained by the publication.  

6. Dr. Williams left Cleveland Clinic in 2017 for reasons unrelated to the rape allegations. He currently works at Columbus-based Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, but was placed on paid administrative leave from the medical center last month. A spokesperson for the institution declined to comment to USA Today about the allegations. The organization previously stated OSU was unaware of the allegations, which did not come up in extensive background checks, according to the report.

7. Cleveland Clinic declined to comment to Becker's Hospital Review Wednesday.

To read the full USA Today report, click here.

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