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News Release — September 2, 2004
MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
September 2, 2004
Medical Board of California Selects New Executive Director
SACRAMENTO—The Medical Board of California appointed Dave Thornton, 57, of Carmichael, as its new executive director. Mr. Thornton has been serving as interim executive director since last March, replacing former Executive Director Ron Joseph.
Mr. Thornton has over 30 years of experience in state service. He began his career with the Medical Board as an investigator, working his way up the ranks to senior investigator, supervising investigators I and II, deputy chief, and chief of the Enforcement Program. As an investigator for the board, Mr. Thornton participated in a multi-agency task force that targeted providers selling controlled substances to individuals for no legitimate medical purpose, and he was the lead investigator in a license fraud task force. This unit was responsible for investigating fraudulent medical schools and physician applicants attempting to gain licensure in California by using false medical diplomas. Mr. Thornton supervised the creation of the board's Central Complaint Unit and also worked closely with the board's Public Information Disclosure Committee to develop policy, regulation, and the format for the release of information to the public concerning California physicians.
Mr. Thornton has represented the board as a speaker to numerous professional associations and medical groups. His law enforcement career also includes four years with the California Highway Patrol. His leadership skills extend beyond the Medical Board to include his involvement as a parent, troop leader, and committee chairperson with the Boy Scouts of America.
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The mission of the Medical Board is to protect healthcare consumers through the proper licensing and regulation of physicians and surgeons and certain allied healthcare professions and through the vigorous, objective enforcement of the Medical Practice Act.
If you have a question or complaint about the healthcare you are receiving, the board encourages you to visit its Web site at www.caldocinfo.ca.gov or for questions call the Consumer Information Line at (916) 263-2382, or with complaints call (800) 633-2322.
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