What can I do about creepy surgeon?

What is the name of your state? In late 1991 and early 1992 I was a patient of a surgeon in Indiana (I now live in Michigan) who was to remove a lymph gland from my upper thigh which was inflamed as a result of toxiplasmosis (sp?). During an examination, with only the Dr. and myself in the room, there was what I feel was alot of unnecessary "bumping" of my clitoris and surrounding area. At one point it seemed like he was directly applying pressure. I was unsure and uncomfortable, so I said and did nothing. I never mentioned the incident, until about 5 years later a friend of a friend said something about the same surgeon, and she said that she felt like he spent a lot of time on her breasts when she was seeing him for reproductive problems. In both cases he was not blatant or what you typically see depicted as a leering pervert. This has caused a lot of discomfort for me as far as any medical treatment I seek. I have to be practically dying before I will go to a doctor. I have nightmares about things he might have done while I was unconscious before, during, or after surgery. I realize those fears are probably unfounded, as there would have been others assisting him present at most times. I am so nervous before doctor appointments that I have been known to prefer physicians with direct access to a restroom from the waiting area because I usually vomit. I don't trust my judgement on this. I feel like maybe I am just being a big baby. It would really help to have some opinions on this, and I am not comfortable talking to people I know about this. I know just because something seems wierd doesn't mean it is wrong, but I have become convinced over the years that there is no reason for an examination or biopsy of my thigh to involve any intimate touching. I wish I had said something at the time, but I was young, dumb, and scared. I'm guessing that any statute of limitations on legal action has expired, and that I really don't have material for a lawsuit. My main concern is that other young women in the last 12 years have had the same things happen to them. Hearing the other girl's story really worried me. Did I even really need the surgery, which has left me with limited feeling in the surrounding area and a mysterious hair growing from the scar? Would a state licensing board listen to my story? Can I do something? Should he have to pay my co-pay for counseling to deal with this? I'm really not an idiot, I just don't know what my options are. I know there are worse things happening to people all the time, but who knows what else he has done? Help?
Thank you.

Your story unfortunately is fairly common. And as you guess, you are probably too late to do much about the matter. If you feel strongly that someone should say something about this doctor, then say it. You can write a letter to the Medical Board in your State and outline what happened. You might also suggest to the other girl that she write. No doubt others have written. It takes a lot of complaints before a medical board will take acction, and maybe yours is the one that will tip the scales.
As for your costs, both money and suffering, not much can be done. You say 12 years have passed? That suggests you were a minor at the time, or at least very young. Too bad you waited so long because in most States you have up to age 18 to file a lawsuit. If you hear of any young person who has similar complaints, you might suggest to her that she go to a lawyer. This not exactly medical malpractice, but is a crime nonetheless. Your feelings are legitimate but you should not have to continue to be afraid of doctors. Why not choose a female doctor and when you see her for your first visit, you could talk to her about your experience. It might help you in the future.

Thank you so much! It helps to know that my feelings are legitimate. It is a relief. I was 21 at the time, so I wouldn't have been helped by anything available to minors. I should have been mature enough then to do something about it. At least now, at 33, I am fairly certain I will be able to be straightforward about anything that makes me uncomfortable. I really appreciate your comments, and take reassurance from them that I am not being ridiculous to be bothered by this. My counselor and husband both have said things like "what makes you think it was on purpose?" and "Were you looking for a reason to distrust him?" and it is fantastic that a perfect stranger is willing to offer help (as well as plow through my long-winded postings!) and advice.
I will follow up on this by reporting him. THANK YOU!

I don't know much about what you can do legally, but I wanted to say that I think your feelings are very legitimate. I think I would have reacted in a similar way. And we have reason to. Have you heard about the abortion doctor who for many years molested and touched and performed oral sex on his patients while they were asleep? He was considered one of the best in the nation. It's disgusting and scary that women in this society can't even trust doctors.

You have every reason to be upset.

Best of luck to you,

blazon

Over twenty years ago I went to a clinic for an ankle injury. A medical student masquerading as a doctor wanted to examine my breasts. I refused. I had a form to fill out and gave it to the fraudulent "doctor." He took the form from me and asked if there was anything else I wanted. He should have admitted at that time that he was not qualified to fill out the form, but he failed to do so. I reported his misconduct, but the complaint was disregarded.