The Cochran Firm investigating claims from investigation into Baltimore/Towson Dr. John Yacoub

WASHINGTON - Oct. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- The Cochran Firm today announces that it is launching an aggressive and comprehensive legal investigation into claims arising from the Maryland state and federal investigation of gynecologist Dr. John Yacoub. On Oct. 8, 2013, the Maryland Board of Physicians suspended Dr. Yacoub’s medical license after an investigation revealed he may have illegally used and distributed controlled dangerous substances and numerous images of female genitalia were found on his phone.

The Cochran Firm is actively analyzing legal claims for patients whose privacy may have been invaded by Dr. Yacoub. The law firm has extensive experience representing hundreds of clients in the greater Baltimore, Maryland metropolitan region. Dr. Yacoub previously practiced as a gynecologist at the Saint Agnes Hospital and the Greater Baltimore Medical Center.

For the second time in 2013, a Baltimore gynecologist faces discipline for allegedly possessing images of female genitalia. In February, Baltimore police and Johns Hopkins Medicine officials investigated Dr. Nikita Levy over accusations he secretly recorded his female patients in the examination room. The Cochran Firm represents hundreds of Dr. Levy’s victims in legal claims arising from severe emotional distress due to this terrible invasion of patient privacy. Due to their experience representing women whose privacy was allegedly invaded by Dr. Levy, The Cochran Firm’s team of attorneys are uniquely qualified to prosecute possible legal claims related to Baltimore/Towson gynecologist Dr. John Yacoub’s activities.

According to the order suspending Dr. Yacoub’s license to practice medicine (see: https://www.mbp.state.md.us/bpqapp/Orders/D3001010.083.PDF), the Board stated several reasons for its decision, including:

·         DEA agents found numerous images of female genitalia on Dr. Yacoub’s phone. In most of the images, “a gloved hand is touching or in close proximity to the genitalia. In at least two of the images, medical equipment is visible.”

·         Dr. Yacoub was fired from a prior position on Nov. 28, 2012 for failure to comply with standard protocols regarding procuring, storing, and dispensing prescription drugs, including controlled dangerous substances.

·         A staff member who worked for Dr. Yacoub took photos of large bottles containing controlled dangerous substances that were located in his office. The staff member provided the pictures to hospital administrators because she was concerned Dr. Yacoub was selling drugs from his office.

·         DEA agents found cocaine residue on Dr. Yacoub’s kitchen table. He told the agents that he had snorted cocaine off the kitchen table the prior evening. Dr. Yacoub initially denied using illicit drugs when interviewed under oath by Board staff.

·         The Board’s investigation revealed that Dr. Yacoub mailed controlled dangerous substances to a female patient, who resides outside of Maryland and with whom he had an intimate relationship.

·         Dr. Yacoub stated that “he knew what he was doing was not within the scope of accepted medical practice, but did not believe it was illegal.”

“We are disturbed to learn that Dr. John Yacoub may have illegally invaded his patients’ privacy. It is unbelievable and somewhat confounding that this may be the second case regarding a gynecologist who allegedly violated his patients’ legal rights that our firm may handle in 2013,” David Haynes, managing partner of The Cochran Firm, said. “It is improper for an OB/GYN to retain intimate photos of patients on his personal phone. Bringing legal claims against those who are responsible for hiring and retaining Dr. Yacoub in addition to Dr. Yacoub personally will send a message that patients in the Towson/Baltimore region deserve better and will demand better treatment.”

Haynes and Karen Evans, a medical malpractice partner and Registered Nurse attorney with the Cochran Firm, are available for comment regarding the Dr. John Yacoub investigation. The Cochran Firm is maintaining a female legal support staff to communicate with possible victims of Dr. Yacoub. All initial consultations with The Cochran Firm are not only free but confidential.