Posted on 01/19/2006 7:44:28 AM PST by Born Conservative
An upper East Side cardiologist with a history of sexual harassment has been banned from practicing medicine for 10 months - and then can only see patients in the presence of a chaperone for five years. Dr. Benjamin Zola agreed to the punishment to settle 21 counts of shocking professional misconduct involving patients, nurses and even a fellow doctor.
The allegations against Zola included an incident in which he asked a patient who had blood in her urine whether she had a gerbil in her bed, explaining that a Hollywood star once had to have "a gerbil removed from" a body cavity.
The doctor allegedly told the same patient that he always used cold gel for sonograms because of its effect on nipples.
In another case, Zola was accused of kissing the breasts of a patient and offered to share a cup of soda, noting, "I'm sure you won't mind exchanging bodily fluids."
After a two-year investigation, the state Health Department's Office of Professional Misconduct said yesterday that Zola acknowledged that he "could not defend himself" against "at least one" charge.
He accepted a suspension of his license and the imposition of the chaperone.
Among other allegations:
Zola once directed a female assistant to do a penis procedure and then asked her if she was aroused.
He called a female patient late at night to discuss the results of a urine test and ask precisely how she positioned her body to get the sample.
Zola allegedly carried on a sexual relationship with a fourth patient, told a pregnant intern that he was "her love slave," and fondled and kissed a pediatric nurse in a hospital elevator. The doctor also was accused of lying on numerous employment applications to hide the fact that he had been asked to resign from New York, Brookdale and St. Luke's hospitals after allegations of misconduct arose and to withdraw his application for privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital.
A source familiar with the investigation said yesterday that Zola, who three years ago was acquitted of sexually abusing a patient, accepted the settlement because he "could not defend himself against all of the charges," not just one, but Zola's lawyer, Andrew Weinstein, vigorously denied the claim.
"There is no admission of wrongdoing on the part of Dr. Zola to any particular charge," he said. "There's been no finding whatsoever of wrongdoing by him with any particular charge."
The Manhattan woman who accused Zola of molesting her in 2003 said that she was relieved that the state probe is over, because it clears the way for her civil lawsuit.
"This has been going on for two years," she said.
"It was getting very frustrating."
Aspberger's syndrome?
It's either Asperger's or possibly Bill Clinton Syndrome...
Well, I'm sure patients will be beating his door down now that he has a chaperone...
Thank goodness Dr. Zorba wasn't involved.
Ah...and oldie, but a goodie!
Now that's just stupid. I don't care who you are, you can't fit a gerbil up your urethra.
Why would they let this guy practice again after 10 months? He's obviously sick.
Several years ago, I remember seeing a journal article regarding a patient who repeatedly had foreign bodies in his urethra and bladder. This particular time, he had inserted several feet of rubber hose up into his bladder (the article showed the xray as well).
Although you and I would not get a gerbil up there, there might be someone who can, with enough KY jelly. Also, I think that Zola's gerbil reference is to the rumors of Richard Gere gerbilizing himself.
Sounds like my doc. He cracks me up.
Moi, je suis très heureux que c'est mort notre ami, Emile. Lui, sans doute, ne c'est pas le grandpère du bon docteur?
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