News Release — December 7, 2007

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December 7, 2007

Medical Board of California investigation results
in the arrest of Downey unlicensed practitioner

SACRAMENTO — An investigation by the Medical Board of California led to the arrest yesterday of Martin Yanez for the unlicensed practice of medicine. A search warrant was executed by Medical Board investigators at two locations in Downey. Yanez will be formally charged in the near future. The case was initiated after receiving information that Yanez was allegedly practicing medicine without a license. It is alleged that Yanez was soliciting patients from California for major cosmetic surgery, including: tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast augmentations.

"The mission of the Medical Board is public protection, and this action reflects the board's ongoing commitment to that mission," said Barb Johnston, executive director of the Medical Board.

Although licensed in Mexico, it is alleged that Yanez was conducting pre-operative examinations and post-operative care in two locations in Downey. He performed the surgeries in Tijuana at Hospital de la Mujer y el Niño.

Victims treated by Martin Yanez are encouraged to contact the Medical Board of California's Cerritos District Office at (562) 402-4668.

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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, and, to promote access to quality medical care through the Board's licensing and regulatory functions.

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.html.

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