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The Board's Mission

The mission of the Medical Board of California is to protect healthcare consumers and prevent harm through the proper licensing and regulation of physicians and surgeons and certain allied healthcare professionals and through the vigorous, objective enforcement of the Medical Practice Act, and to promote access to quality medical care through the Board's licensing, policy, and regulatory functions.

Editor's Spotlight

By Rachel Gilbride — Public Information Officer

Welcome to spring, when flowers, grasses, and trees are blooming, and allergies are running amok. If you are traveling soon, please see page 12 for some tips on how to stay healthy while enjoying your vacation.

In this edition, you can read about the Board partnering with the Board of Behavioral Sciences to provide information on choosing the right mental health provider for you. Plus, the Board is proud to announce it has been recognized, for the second time, as a Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation Wellbeing First Champion! This foundation recognizes agencies that help eliminate stigma surrounding mental health by providing safeguards for the mental well-being of physicians. For more information, see page 5.

The Board continues supporting the recovery efforts of those affected by the January wildfires in southern California. Page 8 details the Board's efforts to help licensees affected by the fires obtain new wall certificates and defer their renewal fees for one year.

As always, you can contact Board staff with any questions or comments via our contact form, or by phone at (800) 633-2322. Happy spring!

Board Honored with the 2024 "Wellbeing First Champion" Recognition

Note: This article has mentions of suicide, which may be difficult for some people to confront or discuss.

The Medical Board of California (Board) believes that patients are best served by healthy providers and encourages everyone to seek mental health care appropriate for their circumstances. The Board is working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health care and improve patient care by promoting the well-being of its applicants and licensees.

In 2024, the Board received its second "Wellbeing First Champion" recognition from The ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare Coalition, cofounded by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation, to fight the stigma around mental health and ensure that healthcare providers receive help when needed. The Board received this award for eliminating intrusive mental health questions on licensure applications. The Board acted on this issue in 2019 and made further improvements to its licensing application in 2024.

The foundation was created in honor of Dr. Lorna Breen and is dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of healthcare professionals. Dr. Breen was an emergency medicine physician who spent her career working at New York Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. She was passionate about providing and improving patient care and was a well-loved member of her community. Tragically, on April 26, 2020, Dr. Breen died by suicide, following her work on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the United States, 400 physicians die each year by suicide. Additionally, female physicians die by suicide at a faster rate than male physicians, and those in the emergency medicine specialty have one of the highest rates of suicide across all specialties.

Relatedly, the Board is sponsoring legislation (see AB 408) to authorize a physician health and wellness program that will prevent consumer harm by providing for the early identification of, and appropriate interventions to support, treat, monitor, and rehabilitate healthcare providers, consistent with national best practices, for health conditions that may impair their ability to practice safely. Updates on the progress of this legislation will be provided in future newsletter issues and during quarterly Board meetings.

Life is full of stress and challenges, which can drive someone toward burnout or other mental health issues, like depression and anxiety. This can be especially true for physicians, who often carry a significant amount of responsibility throughout their career.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month: What Type of Mental Health Provider is Right for You?

Are you feeling burnt out or overly stressed? Are you suffering from the loss of a loved one or looking to better understand yourself or your emotions?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Medical Board of California (Board), in partnership with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), wants you to know that no matter what you're feeling, or the difficulties you may be experiencing, a licensed mental health provider may be able to help you.

When deciding to start your mental health improvement journey, there are a few things to consider when choosing a healthcare provider. The first is knowing what type of licensed provider you need: a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a therapist.

Psychiatrists, licensed by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. This physician has training in diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders. Because of their education and training, psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe medication and may provide therapy and behavioral interventions. They often handle the most complex cases of mental illness.

Psychologists, licensed by the Board of Psychology, specialize in understanding the cognitive and emotional process of human behavior. They can provide a range of therapeutic options including cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoanalysis. But they don't provide any medical intervention, such as prescribing medication.

Therapists, licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), can provide situational or specialized care. There are a few types of therapists who may be suitable for your needs. The BBS provides a guide to help select an appropriate therapist.

Once you find a regulated mental health provider that you feel comfortable talking with, there are a couple things that should happen during your first visit. First, your provider should provide you with a notice containing their license or registration number which can be verified through the DCA license search webpage. Secondly, you should be informed of the potential risks and limitations of receiving mental healthcare services.

If your first visit with a mental health provider is via telehealth, in addition to the above, your provider needs to obtain consent from you to provide their services remotely. Your provider also needs to know the contact information for relevant resources in your area, including emergency services. Additionally, during all follow-up sessions, your provider must verify your full name and present location and, they are required to use industry best practices to ensure your confidentiality, security of communications, and safety at all times.

Finally, remember that therapy never includes sexual behavior. If you have any concerns regarding the help you have received, or if you believe your mental health provider has engaged in any unprofessional conduct, you can file a complaint online.

Learn more about seeking mental health services and working with a therapist in the BBS' Self-empowerment: How to Choose a Mental Health Professional publication.

Notice of CURES Fee Increase

The Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) fee will increase from $9 to $15 annually for licenses expiring on and after July 1, 2025. The fee is assessed at the time of license renewal on licensees that are authorized to prescribe, order, administer, or furnish Schedule II, Schedule III, Schedule IV, or Schedule V controlled substances.

Most licensees will see a $30 CURES fee due to the biennial renewal cycle. The fee covers the reasonable regulatory costs of the Department of Justice for operating and maintaining CURES, a critical element in the state's continued effort to address the danger of opioid addiction stemming from prescription drug abuse.

For more information about CURES, visit: https://oag.ca.gov/cures.

Medical Board of California Establishes a Complainant Liaison Unit

As part of its 2023 sunset review, the Medical Board of California (Board) established its newest unit within the Enforcement Program: The Complainant Liaison Unit (CLU).

What does CLU do?

The CLU responds to communications from the public and complainants about the complaint review and enforcement process and assists complainants when:

• A complaint has been referred for a field investigation.
• Coordinating communications between the complainant and investigators.
• Responding to questions from the complainant regarding any appeals process available to the disciplined licensee.
• Conducting and supporting public outreach activities to improve the public's understanding of the Board's enforcement process (including related laws and policies).
• Evaluating and responding to requests from complainants to review a complaint closure that the complainant believes was closed in error.

Additionally, before a complaint may be closed, the Board shall conduct an interview with the complainant, patient, or the patient's representative (defined as the spouse or domestic partner of the patient, a person responsible for the care of the patient, or the patient's next of kin), if one is identified in the complaint. If the Board's request for an interview is declined or the Board has not received a response within 30 calendar days, the Board may close the complaint. However, if, after the complaint is closed, the complainant, patient, or patient representative provides additional information pertinent to the complaint, the Board may reopen the matter.

To contact the CLU, you can call their toll-free number at 1-800-633-2322 or the main line at 916-263-2383.

Consumer Corner: Staying Healthy During Summer Vacation

Summer vacation is upon us and for some this is a time to get away. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers advice on how to stay healthy when traveling for summer vacation.

For those travelling internationally, visit your healthcare provider or a clinic that specializes in travel medicine before you go. They will provide destination-specific health information including any required vaccinations, or other health-related requirements.

Double-check your vaccine status for all the typical required vaccines. Many of the current vaccines protect against diseases that are still prevalent in other countries such as measles, which has recently been making a comeback. The CDC recommends visiting their destinations website to verify that you have all the necessary medical information.

You should also plan for unexpected issues that will happen while you're traveling. This includes packing a travel health kit, considering buying traveler insurance, and enrolling in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

As always, wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer with at least a 60% alcohol content, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve while coughing or sneezing, and wear a mask or stay home if you are feeling sick.

In addition, the CDC reminds travelers to wear sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher, use insect repellant to avoid bug bites, and choose carefully where you eat. Minimizing alcohol use and avoiding illicit substances will help you avoid dangerous situations as well.

If you begin to feel sick and are running a fever after returning from a trip, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Let them know where you traveled and if you were exposed to any diseases while you were away.

Following these tips can help you enjoy a safe and healthy summer vacation no matter where you go. Safe travels!

New Law Expands and Extends the Successful Physicians from Mexico Pilot Program

By Aaron Bone, Chief of Legislation and Public Affairs

First authorized by a law passed in 2002 (AB 1045, Chapter 1157), a significant amount of time was needed to develop the program and start issuing physician licenses under the Licensed Physicians and Dentists from Mexico Pilot Program (pilot program). During the past few years, the Medical Board of California (Board) and Legislature have seen the success of the pilot program and how the physicians from Mexico have improved access to quality medical care for underserved communities. At Board meetings in 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Board and public heard directly from a pilot program evaluator, Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, MD, PhD, a professor of clinical internal medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine.

Based upon the pilot program's documented successes, and on-going need for culturally and linguistically competent medical care, pilot program sponsors proposed, and the Board supported, AB 2860 in 2024, which renames the pilot program as the Licensed Physicians from Mexico Program (LPMP), and authorizes it to continue for the next 20 years.

Notably, this expanded program authorizes the Board to issue an increasingly large number of three-year licenses, ultimately allowing 275 physicians from Mexico to practice under this pathway between the years 2041 and 2044. The LPMP expands the services available to patients by authorizing physicians specializing in psychiatry to seek licensure through this program, in addition to physicians specializing in family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. Later in 2025, the Board expects to start receiving applications under the new rules. A maximum of 155 physicians are authorized to have a license under the LPMP between 2025 and 2029.

Full details on the LPMP are available by reading the language of AB 2860 or the staff analysis of the bill, published for the November 21-22, 2024, Quarterly Board Meeting.

Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program Available

As part of the Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) Workforce Initiative, the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is offering the Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program (MBH-SLRP) to behavioral health professionals who commit to serving Medi-Cal members and underserved communities. The program is committed to expanding access to critical mental health and substance use disorder services across California.

This program provides loan repayment for eligible behavioral health professionals with educational debt and a commitment to a multi-year service obligation:

• Licensed, prescribing behavioral health practitioners and non-prescribing licensed or associate level pre-licensure practitioners will serve a four-year service obligation, regardless of loan repayment amount.
• Non-licensed, non-prescribing practitioners will complete a service obligation period based on the loan repayment amount:
  • $20,000 or greater: four years
  • $10,000 to $20,000: three years
  • Less than $10,000: two years

Eligible practitioners may fulfill their service obligation in one or more of these Medi-Cal safety net settings:

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
• Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC)
• Rural Health Clinics (RHC)
• Settings with the following payer mix:
  • Hospitals with 40% or higher Medicaid and/or uninsured population
  • Rural hospitals with 30% or higher Medicaid and/or uninsured population
  • Other behavioral health settings with 40% or higher Medicaid and/or uninsured population

Visit https://hcai.ca.gov/workforce/initiatives/behavioral-health-bh-connect/medi-cal-behavioral-health-student-loan-repayment-program for more information and to apply.

 Physician Extortion Scam: Now Posing as Law Enforcement

The Medical Board of California (Board) is aware that scam artists have begun posing as law enforcement officers, as well as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents and Board staff calling California physicians as part of an extortion scheme.

Scammers posing as law enforcement may tell victims they have missed a court date as an expert witness and have a warrant for their arrest. Scammers posing as DEA agents may tell victims their license is suspended for illegal drug trafficking and the suspension means they will not be able to practice. The scammers may provide an "Agreement for the Bond and Protocols" that includes statements that licensees are not to share or disclose the investigation to any third party and agree to a bond fee payment of $25,000.00.

The scammers' phone number may show up as the Board's toll-free number (800) 633-2322, or, if posing as law enforcement, they may impersonate actual law enforcement officers using their real names.

Please note, law enforcement officers, DEA agents, and Board staff will never contact physicians by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment. If you receive one of these calls, refuse the demand for payment. Please also consider the following:

• If the caller is stating they are from the DEA, immediately report the threat using the DEA's Extortion Scam Online Reporting form.
• If the caller insists that they speak with you right away, tell them that you'll call them back directly. At this point, some scammers will offer you a phone number as a way to verify they are who they say they are. Don't call the number the scammers provided; instead call the Board's toll-free number at (800) 633-2322.
• If the phone number of the caller appears to be the Board's toll-free number, it is recommended that you submit an online complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) using the FCC's Consumer Complaint form.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS — October 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS

AHMAD, OWAIS, M.D. (A 140135), IMPERIAL, CA

No admissions but charged with having a condition affecting his ability to practice medicine safely; being convicted of one misdemeanor count of battery and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct; using drugs and/or alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public; and unprofessional conduct. Revoked, stayed, placed on four years' probation until anticipated end date of 10/30/2028. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, notification to patients of probation status; abstaining from the use of controlled substances; abstaining from the use of alcohol; attending psychotherapy; notification of employer; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $16,818.75. October 4, 2024.

AMAN, MUAZZUM, M.D. (A 136647), LATHROP, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts and failure to maintain adequate and accurate records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete an education course, medical record keeping course, ethics course, communication course and reimburse the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $25,000.00. Public Reprimand. October 18, 2024.

ARAIM, OMAR AMER, M.D. (A 97867), VISALIA, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence and repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must reimburse the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $36,901.00. Public Reprimand. October 4, 2024.

ARCOVEDO, YOUMNA (C 55715), SAN DIEGO, CA

Failed to comply with the terms and conditions of her Board-ordered probation. Revoked. December 4, 2024.

AW, THAN AYE, M.D. (A 53206), FRESNO, CA

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for failing to adequately and accurately document the medical records of multiple patients and failed to query CURES. December 19, 2024.

BAGGE, LYNN ANN, M.D. (A 67930), SACRAMENTO, CA

Committed acts of unprofessional conduct, being convicted of VC 23152(b) - Driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more and using drugs and/or alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself/herself, another person, or to the public. Physician must submit proof of course completions and reimburse the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $11,645.00. Public Reprimand. October 11, 2024.

BARENG, ROBIN KEONI, M.D. (A 97086), LAYTON, UT

No admissions but charged with having a condition affecting his ability to practice medicine safely. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation until anticipated end date of 10/03/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, abstaining from the use of controlled substances; abstaining from the use of alcohol; submitting to biological fluid testing; submitting to a psychiatric evaluation; attending psychotherapy; submitting to a medical evaluation and obtaining medical treatment; obtaining a practice monitor; prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $33,953.50. October 4, 2024.

BARME, GREGORY ADAM, M.D. (A 79030), BERKELEY, CA

No admissions but charged with having a condition affecting his ability to practice medicine safely; using drugs and/or alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public; prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication; and unprofessional conduct. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation until anticipated end date of 12/17/2029. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, prohibited from ordering, prescribing, dispensing, administering, furnishing, or possessing any controlled substances except for those listed in Schedules III, IV and V, and from issuing an oral or written recommendation or approval to possess or cultivate marijuana; maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; abstaining from the use of controlled substances; abstaining from the use of alcohol; completing a prescribing practices course and an ethics course; attending psychotherapy; obtaining a practice monitor; submitting to a psychiatric/substance abuse evaluation; notification of employer; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $13,790.00. December 18, 2024.

BERNHOFT, ROBIN ALVIN (G 34278), OJAI, CA

Unable to satisfy the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. December 27, 2024.

BHATIA, NARENDER NATH, M.D. (A 33956), LONG BEACH, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient; and failure to maintain a current address of record with the Board. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation until anticipated end date of 10/03/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course and a medical record keeping course; prohibited from performing any pregnancy termination procedures greater than thirteen (13) weeks' gestation, by any method, including, but not limited to, via labor inductions, medication abortion, and/or intact or non-intact dilatation and evacuation or extraction and provide to the Board proof of relinquishment of privileges to perform pregnancy termination procedures greater than thirteen (13) weeks' gestation at any hospital and/or clinic where Respondent holds such privileges; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $14,603.40. October 4, 2024.

BROTON, JAY CARTER (A 77946), MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Unable to satisfy the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. November 25, 2024.

CHANG, LUNG-HSIUNG, M.D. (C 39371), ALHAMBRA, CA

No admissions but charged with having a condition affecting his ability to practice medicine safely. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation until anticipated end date of 12/26/2029. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, submitting to a psychiatric evaluation; submitting to a medical evaluation and obtaining medical treatment; concurrent proctoring when performing surgery; limited to performing simple, anterior segment cataract surgery and prohibited from performing complex cataract surgeries; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $32,402.75. December 27, 2024.

CHAVEZ, MARK (A 104267), LA JOLLA, CA

Admitted to dishonesty or corruption, violation of state laws regulating dangerous drugs and/or controlled substances, false representation, creation of false medical records with fraudulent intent, furnishing drugs without examination, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate records. Surrender of License. November 6, 2024.

CHO, PAZRICA MORABE, M.D. (A 52259), VALLEY VILLAGE, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records, violating statutes regulating dangerous drugs or controlled substances, and failure to timely offer an opioid reversal drug in the care and treatment of two patients; and excessive prescribing of controlled substances and prescribing to an addict in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on four years' probation until anticipated end date of 10/17/2028. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course, a prescribing practices course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course; obtaining a practice monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $47,007.60. October 18, 2024.

COHANSHOHET, KAMYAR (A 86830), BEVERLY HILLS, CA

Committed acts of having a condition affecting his ability to practice medicine safely, gross negligence, failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records, writing false or fictitious prescriptions for controlled substances, knowingly making or signing a document directly related to the practice of medicine that falsely represented an existence of a statement of facts, unprofessional conduct, violating statutes regulating dangerous drugs or controlled substances, violating statutes in prescribing, administering, or dispensing dangerous drugs or controlled substances, prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, excessively prescribed controlled substances in the care and treatment of multiple patients. Revoked. November 12, 2024.

COMAZZI, JAMES LEONARD (G 39987)

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of two patients. Surrender of License. December 31, 2024.

CONCEICAO, JOYCE (A 183619), LONG BEACH, CA

Unable to satisfy the terms and conditions of her Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. December 30, 2024.

COX, LUCIEN O (A 34370), LOS ANGELES, CA

No admissions but charged with unprofessional conduct, gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of two patients. Surrender of License. November 5, 2024.

CROSS, ALISA ALLENE (A 55002), LOS ANGELES, CA

Unable to satisfy the terms and conditions of her Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. October 1, 2024.

CUMMINGS, JOSEPH EMILE II, M.D. (C 160943), SAN DIEGO, CA

Admitted to gross negligence, committing acts of repeated negligence, and unprofessional conduct in the care and treatment of one patient; sexual misconduct with one patient; and sexual exploitation with one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on seven years' probation until anticipated end date of 11/14/2031. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, notification to patients of probation status; completing an education course, a prescribing practices course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course; completing a professional boundaries program; submitting to a psychiatric evaluation; attending psychotherapy; obtaining a practice monitor; required to have a third party chaperone present while consulting, examining or treating female patients; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $35,933.60. November 15, 2024.

DELA ROCA, GENARA TURALLO (A 74083), BAKERSFIELD, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of multiple patients. Surrender of License. December 31, 2024.

DESAI, PRITI NIMESHKUMAR, M.D. (A 80894), COVINA, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, incompetence, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of three patients. Physician must complete an education course, medical record keeping course, ethics course, and reimburse the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $12,080.00. Public Reprimand. October 10, 2024.

DEVORE BEST, STEVEN RICHARD, M.D. (G 153800), DEERFIELD, IL

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for being Reprimanded in the State of Illinois on September 28, 2021. December 27, 2024.

DUNCHOK, RONNIE (A 42469), BULLHEAD CITY, AZ

Unable to satisfy the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. October 15, 2024.

DYNE, GODFREY D (A 43164), SANTA BARBARA, CA

Failed to comply with the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. December 26, 2024.

FOZOUNI, DERAKHSH (A 95051), RANCHO MIRAGE, CA

No admissions but charged with aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of medicine, dishonest or corrupt acts, insurance fraud, knowingly making or signing a document directly related to the practice of medicine that falsely represented an existence of a statement of facts, unprofessional conduct, gross negligence in the care and treatment of multiple patients, and being convicted of a misdemeanor count of aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of medicine. Surrender of License. December 31, 2024.

GRANDHE, JANARDHAN RAO, M.D. (A 52798), BAKERSFIELD, CA

Admitted to being convicted of one felony count of tax evasion and committing dishonest or corrupt acts. Revoked, stayed, placed on four years' probation until anticipated end date of 12/05/2028. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, providing 100 hours of medical or non-medical community service; completing an ethics course; obtaining a billing monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $27,809.40. December 6, 2024.

GREEN, SINIKKA LIISA, M.D. (A 89983), AUSTIN, TX

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete a medical record keeping course and reimburse the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $25,785.40. Public Reprimand. November 27, 2024.

HIFUMI, GLENN TAKEO, M.D. (A 68228), BELLFLOWER, CA

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for committing repeated negligent acts and failing to maintain adequate and accurate records of a patient. October 16, 2024.

HSIAO, FRANCIS CHU-WEI, M.D. (A 110786), SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for mistakenly using an expired vial when testing a patient’s finger for infection and for signing a patient record several months after appointments. November 27, 2024.

HUANG, MICHAEL JEN-KUNG (A 84045), ROSEVILLE, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts, incompetence, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of multiple patients. Surrender of License. December 3, 2024.

HUYNH, THANH HIEU, M.D. (A 93650), MILLBRAE, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, incompetence, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation until anticipated end date of 12/12/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course and a medical record keeping course; obtaining a practice monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $23,908.00. December 13, 2024.

JAH, FATIMAH OMAR, M.D. (C 128068), ORLANDO, FL

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for being reprimanded by the State of Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline on October 13, 2021. November 15, 2024.

KAISER, BRYAN GLENN, M.D. (C 168262), CHEYENNE, WY

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for being reprimanded and placed on probation in the State of Wyoming on October 29, 2021. December 6, 2024.

KHOKHAR, JASWANT S, M.D. (A 50719), COALINGA, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of two patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation until anticipated end date of 10/17/2029. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing a prescribing practices course and a medical record keeping course; completing a clinical competence assessment program; obtaining a practice monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $51,290.75. October 18, 2024.

KHOYLYAN, GAGIK, M.D. (A 100597), GLENDALE, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of multiple patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on thirty-five months' probation until anticipated end date of 10/24/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course and a medical record keeping course; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $25,165.80. November 25, 2024.

KIM, SAMUEL SUNGWON, M.D. (A 114873), BEVERLY HILLS, CA

No admissions but charged with unprofessional conduct, impersonation of another licensed practitioner or permitting or allowing another person to use his or her certificate to engage in the practice of medicine, gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, knowingly making or signing a document directly related to the practice of medicine that falsely represented an existence of a statement of facts, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of two patients. Physician must complete a medical record keeping course, ethics course, and reimburse the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $29,322.00. Public Reprimand. December 23, 2024.

KOLAKOWSKI, STEPHEN, M.D. (C 146610), FOLSOM, CA

No admissions but charged with using drugs and/or alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public; being convicted of one misdemeanor count of driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more and having a blood alcohol content greater than .20 percent; and unprofessional conduct. Revoked, stayed, placed on thirty-five months' probation until anticipated end date of 11/18/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, abstaining from the use of controlled substances; abstaining from the use of alcohol; notification of employer; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $18,433.25. December 19, 2024.

KOULI, WAEL, M.D. (C 55343), CORONADO, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records, and unprofessional conduct in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on thirty-five months' probation until anticipated end date of 09/06/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course and a medical record keeping course; completing a clinical competence assessment program; obtaining a practice monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $20,260.80. October 7, 2024.

LEUNG, YING-YAN, M.D. (G 43055), HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for failing to maintain adequate and accurate records in the care and treatment of one patient. October 9, 2024.

LIN, VICTOR, M.D. (C 199412), SAN DIEGO, CA

Committed an act of using drugs and/or alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public. Probationary license issued and placed on five years’ probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, attending psychotherapy; notification of employer; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; abstaining from the use of controlled substances; abstaining from the use of alcohol; submitting proof of notification of Decision to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; and prohibited from engaging in the practice of medicine in Applicant's or patient's place of residence, unless the patient resides in a skilled nursing facility or other similar licensed facility. October 7, 2024.

LOPEZ SOLORZA, JUAN MANUEL, M.D. (A 66634), STOCKTON, CA

Admitted to committing acts of repeated negligence, incompetence, failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records, and dishonest or corrupt acts in the care and treatment of multiple patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation until anticipated end date of 10/15/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $28,031.00. October 16, 2024.

MALIKIAN, RAPHAEL TOMAS (A 159422), LLANO, CA

Admitted to being convicted of crimes substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a physician, violating statutes regulating dangerous drugs or controlled substances, prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, prescribing over internet without an appropriate prior examination or indication, excessively prescribed controlled substances to two undercover law enforcement officers, dishonest or corrupt acts, knowingly making or signing a document directly related to the practice of medicine that falsely represented an existence of a statement of facts, and unprofessional conduct. Surrender of License. October 4, 2024.

MANFREDI, BRENDA LAURIE (G 129943), OAK RIDGE, NC

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, excessively prescribed controlled substances, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of three patients. Surrender of License. December 16, 2024.

MARINESCU, CATALIN GABRIEL, M.D. (A 112120), NEWPORT BEACH, CA

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for committing repeated negligent acts and failing to maintain adequate and accurate records in the care and treatment of one patient. November 21, 2024.

MARK, ESTER SPERANZA, M.D. (A 55272), ALISO VIEJO, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, incompetence, failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records, excessive prescribing of controlled substances, prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, and unprofessional conduct in the care and treatment of multiple patients; self-prescribing drugs; and being disciplined by the DEA for dishonest and corrupt acts. Revoked, stayed, placed on two years' probation until anticipated end date of 10/22/2026. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course, a prescribing practices course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $20,000.00. October 23, 2024.

MARZBAN, SIAMAK STEPHEN, M.D. (A 48221), RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence in the care and treatment of one patient; and repeated negligent acts and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of two patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on thirty-five months' probation until anticipated end date of 11/17/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course, a prescribing practices course, and a medical record keeping course; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $20,000.00. December 18, 2024.

MENDOZA, FRANCISCO REYNA, M.D. (G 63191), SANTA MARIA, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence and repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of two patients.. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation, to run concurrent to the probationary order in Case No. 800-2022-089027, until anticipated end date of 11/14/2029. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course and a prescribing practices course; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $18,000.00. November 15, 2024.

NGUYEN, HARVEY HANH DO (A 37498), WESTMINSTER, CA

Committed acts of being convicted of two felony counts of preparing documents and cause to be presented a false/fraudulent claim, violating laws relating to corporate practice of medicine, and unprofessional conduct. Revoked. December 26, 2024.

NURANI, NICK SALIM (A 31655), EL CAJON, CA

No admissions but charged with having a condition affecting his/her ability to practice medicine safely. Surrender of License. October 1, 2024.

OHASHI, GARY MICHAEL (G 75201), WESTMINSTER, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, violation of the principles of medical ethics, failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records, and prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication in the care and treatment of one patient. Surrender of License. October 11, 2024.

PALACIOS, JORGE LUIS, M.D. (A 69353), CLOVIS, CA

No admissions but charged with dishonest or corrupt acts; self-administering drugs or using drugs and/or alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public; violating statutes regulating dangerous drugs or controlled substances; creating false medical records with fraudulent intent; and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records. Revoked, stayed, placed on seven years' probation until anticipated end date of 11/26/2031. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, notification to patients of probation status; prohibited from ordering, prescribing, dispensing, administering, furnishing, or possessing any controlled substances except for those listed in Schedules III, IV, and V, and from issuing an oral or written recommendation or approval to possess or cultivate marijuana; maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; abstaining from the use of controlled substances; completing a medical record keeping course and an ethics course; submitting to a psychiatric evaluation; completing a clinical diagnostic evaluation prior to practicing medicine (Condition Satisfied); notification of employer; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $53,990.75. November 27, 2024.

PAPPOE, AKHENATON ALLOTEI, M.D. (A 95638), POMONA, CA

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for conviction of Vehicle Code Section 23103.5 – Wet Reckless Driving. November 22, 2024.

PARK, JOSEPH HARNG, M.D. (A 47815), LOS ANGELES, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence and repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of two patients. Physician must complete a clinical competence assessment program and reimburse the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $25,914.60. Public Reprimand. November 1, 2024.

PAULE, PETRA (G 78702), FULLERTON, CA

No admissions but charged with being convicted of one misdemeanor count of Vehicle Code section 23152(a), using drugs and/or alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself/herself, another person, or to the public, unprofessional conduct, and having a condition affecting his/her ability to practice medicine safely. Surrender of License. December 12, 2024.

POLAK, CLARA LUCY (A 66649), NATIONAL CITY, CA

No admissions but charged with having a condition affecting his/her ability to practice medicine safely. Surrender of License. December 16, 2024.

PRESANT, LARRY A, M.D. (G 42579), POWAY, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, excessively prescribed controlled substances, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation until anticipated end date of 11/05/2029. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course, a prescribing practices course, and a medical record keeping course; completing a clinical competence assessment program; obtaining a practice monitor; prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $30,194.76. November 6, 2024.

PRUTHI, RAJ SOM (A 52789), CARY, NC

Committed acts of repeated negligent acts and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of two patients. Revoked. December 4, 2024.

QIAN, JOHN XIAO-JIANG, M.D. (A 72430), SAN DIEGO, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence in the care and treatment of one patient, repeated negligent acts and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of two patients, and failure to comply with the terms of his Board-ordered probation by failing to obey all laws. Revoked, stayed, placed on one year's probation, to run concurrent with the existing term of probation, until anticipated end date of 10/29/2025. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $25,000.00. October 30, 2024.

RAHIMI, MOSTAFA SHESHDEH, M.D. (A 89780), RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for failing to comply with Title 16 Code of Regulations §1345 and Corporations Code § 13401, 13401.5, and 13408. December 19, 2024.

RASEKHI, MOHAMMAD HASSAN (A 48861), VAN NUYS, CA

No admissions but charged with sexual misconduct with three patients, sexual exploitation with three patients, gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, unprofessional conduct, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of three patients. Surrender of License. December 2, 2024.

RESENDEZ, JUAN VALENTE JR, M.D. (A 199413), LOS ANGELES, CA

Committed dishonest or corrupt acts, was convicted of one misdemeanor count of driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more, and committed an act of using drugs and/or alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public. Probationary license issued and placed on five years' probation until anticipated end date of 10/06/2029. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an ethics course; completing a clinical diagnostic evaluation prior to practicing medicine; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; abstaining from the use of controlled substances; abstaining from the use of alcohol; attending psychotherapy; notification of employer; submitting proof of notification of Decision to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; and prohibited from engaging in the practice of medicine in Applicant's or patient's place of residence, unless the patient resides in a skilled nursing facility or other similar licensed facility. October 7, 2024.

RIVERA-SANFELIZ, GERANT (G 74921), SAN MARCOS, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts, failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records, violating provisions of the Medical Practice Act in the care and treatment of one patient. Surrender of License. December 23, 2024.

RIYAZ, FARHAAD R, M.D. (A 169888), LINCOLN PARK, MI

Convicted of one felony count of mail fraud; and was disciplined by the licensing authorities in Virginia, Maryland and Colorado based on the conviction of mail fraud. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation until anticipated end date of 10/31/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, submitting to a psychiatric evaluation; obtaining bipolar disorder treatment; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $7,000.00. November 15, 2024.

RODRIGUEZ, DAGOBERTO JESUS (C 161735), DEERFIELD BEACH, FL

No admissions but charged with being disciplined by the Oregon Medical Board for prescribing to patients in Oregon without an Oregon medical license. Surrender of License. October 9, 2024.

ROSETE, ROLLIE DUYAO (A 53682), TRACY, CA

Unable to satisfy the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. October 4, 2024.

SALVAY, HOWARD BRADLEY, M.D. (G 34434), SOQUEL, CA

Admitted to gross negligence in the care and treatment of one patient. No admissions but charged with gross negligence and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation until anticipated end date of 11/26/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course; submitting proof of notification of Decision and First Amended Accusation to required parties; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $15,286.60. November 27, 2024.

SATTERWHITE, THOMAS SOLAYAO, M.D. (A 105033), SAN FRANCISCO, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of two patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on thirty-five months' probation until anticipated end date of 09/17/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course, a prescribing practices course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $16,500.00. October 18, 2024.

SCARPINO, DAVID MICHAEL, M.D. (A 51468), HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA

Admitted to being convicted of one misdemeanor count of prescribing, dispensing, or furnishing dangerous drugs without an appropriate prior examination and a medical indication; being convicted of one misdemeanor count of failure to maintain adequate and accurate records relating to the provision of services to patients; being convicted of violating statutes regulating dangerous drugs or controlled substances; and violating the Medical Practice Act. Revoked, stayed, placed on two years' probation until anticipated end date of 12/17/2026. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course, a prescribing practices course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course; obtaining a practice monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $15,452.00. December 18, 2024.

SCOTT, CRANFORD LAVERN, M.D. (C 32142), INGLEWOOD, CA

No admissions but charged with dishonest or corrupt acts and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation, to run concurrent to the probationary order in Case No. 800-2018-047019, until anticipated end date of 11/14/2029. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course, a prescribing practices course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course; completing a clinical competence assessment program; obtaining a practice monitor; prohibited from prescribing Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances to patients for chronic treatment; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $43,076.75. November 15, 2024.

SIEVERT, DWIGHT WILLIAM, M.D. (G 47593), FRESNO, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of multiple patients; and incompetence in the care and treatment of two patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on four years' probation until anticipated end date of 10/08/2028. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, submitting proof of notification of Decision and First Amended Accusation to required parties; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $35,000.00. October 9, 2024.

SMITH, SCOTT WILLIAM (G 173181), MOUNT PLEASANT, SC

No admissions but charged with being disciplined by the Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners for voluntary surrender of medical license while under investigation. Surrender of License. October 2, 2024.

SONNEMAN, SABINA (A 38227), REDWOOD CITY, CA

No admissions but charged with unprofessional conduct, repeated negligent acts, and incompetence in the care and treatment of one patient. Surrender of License. November 8, 2024.

SPICER, MARK ANTHONY (A 68609), SUN CITY, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, failure to maintain adequate and accurate records, and unprofessional conduct in the care and treatment of two patients. Surrender of License. December 31, 2024.

SRINIVASAN, SARANYA, M.D. (A 120228), LOS ANGELES, CA

Admitted to using drugs and/or alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to herself, another person, or to the public; having a condition affecting her ability to practice medicine safely; unprofessional conduct; and being convicted of one misdemeanor count of driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation until anticipated end date of 10/17/2029. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, notification to patients of probation status; abstaining from the use of controlled substances; abstaining from the use of alcohol; completing an ethics course; submitting to a psychiatric and/or substance abuse evaluation; attending psychotherapy; submitting to a medical evaluation and obtaining medical treatment; prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine; completing a clinical diagnostic evaluation prior to practicing medicine (Condition Satisfied); notification of employer; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $16,878.88. October 18, 2024.

TANTUWAYA, LOKESH SHANTANU (G 79268), ESCONDIDO, CA

Failed to comply with the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Revoked. December 13, 2024.

TAYLOR, JULIE BODWELL, M.D. (A 120659), PASADENA, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, incompetence, prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation until anticipated end date of 11/06/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $34,865.00. November 7, 2024.

TESFAY, ZELALEM, M.D. (G 76854), LAKEWOOD, CA

No admissions but charged with aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of medicine; and gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, violating statutes regulating dangerous drugs or controlled substances, failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records, and unprofessional conduct in the care and treatment of multiple patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on thirty-five months' probation until anticipated end date of 09/29/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an education course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course; obtaining a practice monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $27,939.00. October 30, 2024.

TRUONG, TRI MINH, M.D. (G 85390), HENDERSON, NV

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for reprimand in the State of Nevada on December 3, 2021, and failing to disclose the reprimand on 2023 California license renewal. December 6, 2024.

VOTH, MARCUS THEODORE, M.D. (A 81140), RIVERSIDE, CA

Admitted to being convicted of one misdemeanor count of Vehicle Code section 23103(a) – Wet Reckless, using drugs and/or alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself/herself, another person, or to the public, and unprofessional conduct. Physician must complete an ethics course and reimburse the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $18,603.25. Public Reprimand. November 22, 2024.

WAGNER, MARK STEPHEN (G 42267), SANTA ANA, CA

Failed to comply with the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Revoked. October 9, 2024.

WAISS, BRYAN CHAN (G 70367), PLEASANTON, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts and failure to maintain adequate and accurate records in the care and treatment of three patients. Surrender of License. December 2, 2024.

WANG, SCOTT ANTHONY, M.D. (A 83268), PORTER RANCH, CA

No admissions but was charged with having a condition affecting his ability to practice medicine safely; failing to comply with a Board-ordered examination; using drugs and/or alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public; violating statutes regulating dangerous drugs or controlled substances; and unprofessional conduct. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation until anticipated end date of 12/24/2029. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the issuance of an Interim Order of Suspension pending further order from the Office of Administrative Hearings and after Respondent completes a neurological examination, neuropsychological testing, and undergoes neuroimaging studies of the head and brain and is notified by the Board or its designee that he is fit to practice medicine safely; abstaining from the use of controlled substances; abstaining from the use of alcohol; completing an education course; submitting to a psychiatric evaluation prior to practicing medicine; attending psychotherapy; submitting to a medical evaluation and obtaining medical treatment prior to practicing medicine; prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine; notification of employer; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $49,353.00. December 26, 2024.

WU, JOHN HONG YAN (A 29670), SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Unable to satisfy the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. December 12, 2024.

YAO, TODD TIENWEI, M.D. (A 95558), CUPERTINO, CA

Committed acts of unprofessional conduct in the care and treatment of two patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation until anticipated end date of 10/31/2029. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, completing an ethics course; completing a professional boundaries program; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $50,000.00. November 1, 2024.

ZAGHA, MOISE TOFIC (A 34602), ENCINO, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, excessively prescribed controlled substances to three patients, violating statutes regulating dangerous drugs or controlled substances, prescribing to an addict, failure to maintain adequate and accurate records, and failure to offer opioid reversal drug in the care and treatment of three patients. Surrender of License. December 31, 2024.

ZOGRABYAN, ARUS, M.D. (A 76345), LOS ANGELES, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence and repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete an education course and reimburse the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $15,862.40. Public Reprimand. October 18, 2024.

ZOLCIK, WOJCIECH, M.D. (C 146992), DENVER, CO

Committed acts of using drugs and/or alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself/herself, another person, or to the public; and was convicted of one misdemeanor count of driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years’ probation until anticipated end date of 10/31/2027. Terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, abstaining from the use of controlled substances; abstaining from the use of alcohol; submitting to biological fluid testing; submitting proof of notification of Decision and Accusation to required parties; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; reimbursing the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $9,000.00. November 1, 2024.

PODIATRIC MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

CHOY, CONNIE MELANIE, D.P.M. (E 5005)

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts; failure to maintain adequate and accurate records; and unprofessional conduct. Must complete a medical record keeping course and reimburse the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $22,002.75. Public Reprimand. October 25, 2024.

SESLAR, JON-PAUL, D.P.M. (E 4074)

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts. Must complete an education course and reimburse the Board its costs of investigation and enforcement in the amount of $14,549.75. Public Reprimand. September 20, 2024.

SESLAR, JON-PAUL, D.P.M. (E 4074)

Unable to satisfy the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered Decision. Surrender of License. December 31, 2024.

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