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News Release — December 27, 2006
MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
December 27, 2006
Executive Director of Medical Board of California to Retire
Board launches search for replacement to continue public protection commitment
SACRAMENTO—Medical Board of California Executive Director Dave Thornton will retire from state service by June 2007. The Medical Board is the state consumer protection agency that licenses approximately 125,000 California medical doctors. Mr. Thornton rose from the ranks at the board over 32 years, where prior to becoming executive director he was chief of enforcement from 2000 - 2004. He was appointed by the board as interim executive director in March 2004 and as its executive director in September 2004.
"Dave has dedicated over three decades to the Medical Board as an outstanding public servant," said Board President Steve Alexander. "He set a standard that has earned staff loyalty, the board's admiration and trust, and statewide respect. His talents and understanding of the Medical Board and its operations are unequalled. The board is committed to finding an executive director who will work with us on behalf of California's healthcare consumers and continue Dave's consumer protection legacy."
The Medical Board has 21 members and a statewide staff of approximately 260. Its 100 investigators are sworn peace officers. As a law enforcement agency, the board's first priority is consumer protection. In addition to licensing physicians and surgeons, the Medical Board investigates complaints, disciplines physicians who violate the law, conducts physician evaluations, and facilitates rehabilitation where appropriate. The board performs similar functions for affiliated healing arts professions including registered dispensing opticians, spectacle lens dispensers, contact lens dispensers, licensed midwives, and research psychoanalysts.
An executive search committee established by Mr. Alexander is working with the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Governor's Office to ensure that Mr. Thornton's replacement will continue the board's high standards and dedication to its consumer protection mission. The search committee is conducting a nationwide search for an appropriate candidate for the new executive director. Applicants for the position should see the announcement on the State Personnel Board's Web site at: www.spb.ca.gov/Employment/more_info.cfm?recno=297519.
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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.mbc.ca.gov or for questions call the Consumer Information Line at (916) 263-2382, or with complaints call (800) 633-2322.
For up-to-date information on board activities, please join our "Subscribers' List" at www.mbc.ca.gov/subscribers.htm.
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