More females file a sexual misconduct lawsuit against the ex-physician of Cedars-Sinai Hospital.
In a shocking turn of events, a lawsuit has been filed against obstetrician-gynecologist Barry J. Brock, accusing him of sexually abusing patients at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles over a period of more than four decades [1]. The extensive allegations include rape, genital mutilation, criminal sexual acts, forcible touching, molestation, unnecessary procedures, and other predatory sexual assaults.
Dr. Brock, a longtime OB-GYN who completed his residency at Cedars-Sinai in 1981 and practiced there until his retirement in August 2024, has denied all allegations of wrongdoing [2]. However, the lawsuit filed by dozens of former patients accuses not only Dr. Brock but also Cedars-Sinai of failing to protect patients and ignoring warning signs, suggesting systemic issues in handling sexual abuse complaints within the healthcare institution.
Some of the alarming incidents detailed in the lawsuit include a patient's claim that Dr. Brock refused to wear gloves during a gynecological examination in 2015, another who was told that Brock's behavior was just his personality and not to put much stock in it, and a patient who reported that Dr. Brock viewed her modeling pictures on his exam room computer during a visit [2].
One particularly distressing allegation involves Dr. Brock commenting on a patient's [vulva] during an incident. Another patient claims that Dr. Brock remarked that he could change her sexual orientation after she told him she was a lesbian [2].
Cedars-Sinai's spokesperson has stated that Dr. Brock's behavior is counter to their core values, and that he no longer has privileges to practice medicine at the hospital [1]. The institution has also reported the matter to the California Medical Board.
The new lawsuit accuses Brock of being a "known serial predator" who has sexually exploited and abused hundreds, if not thousands, of patients [1]. More than 160 women are pursuing claims against Dr. Brock, with 107 additional women filing a sexual misconduct lawsuit against him [2].
This case highlights serious concerns about patient safety, institutional accountability, and ethics in healthcare settings regarding sexual misconduct complaints. The investigation into these allegations is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what further revelations will come to light.
References:
[1] The Los Angeles Times. (2024, September). Cedars-Sinai OB-GYN Barry J. Brock accused of decades of sexual abuse. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-09-01/cedars-sinai-ob-gyn-barry-j-brock-accused-of-decades-of-sexual-abuse
[2] CNN. (2024, September). Cedars-Sinai OB-GYN Barry J. Brock accused of decades of sexual abuse. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/01/us/cedars-sinai-ob-gyn-barry-j-brock-accused-of-decades-of-sexual-abuse/index.html
[3] ABC News. (2024, September). Cedars-Sinai revokes privileges of OB-GYN Barry J. Brock following sexual abuse allegations. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/cedars-sinai-revokes-privileges-ob-gyn-barry-j-brock/story?id=86783517
