More than 200 women and a number of men have joined hands to file a lawsuit against a doctor based in Boston. They claim the doctor, Derrick Todd, conducted physical exams on them that were not needed for medical reasons. These exams allegedly included pelvic floor therapy, breast checks, testicular exams, and rectal exams.Dr Derrick Todd worked as a rheumatologist at Brigham and Womens Hospital until July of last year. The lawsuit accuses Todd of starting to abuse patients as far back as 2010. The case has been filed in Massachusetts Suffolk Superior Court. Alongside Todd, the lawsuit also names several other defendants, including Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates. The suit alleges that these defendants were aware of the abuse but did nothing to stop it.Patient alleges doctor of harmful and offensive touchingThe patients suing claim that the behavior they experienced, which they describe as harmful and offensive touching, amounted to sexual assault. Allegations of inappropriate touching first surfaced in April 2023 from an increasing number of Todds female patients. As a result, Todd was instructed not to conduct sensitive exams without a chaperone. He was placed on administrative leave in June and later terminated from Brigham Womens Hospital. He was also required to leave his private clinical practice at Charles River Medical Associates.Both Brigham and Womens Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates have issued statements expressing concern about the allegations. Brigham and Womens Hospital emphasized their commitment to patient care and safety and stated that they take any allegations of misconduct seriously. Charles River Medical Associates stated they were not aware of any complaints about Todds conduct but expressed sadness over the allegations.What did lawsuit allegeAccording to the lawsuit, the victims ranged in age from teenagers to women in their 60s. It alleges that Todd would gain patients trust, exceed the scope of their rheumatic disease treatment, and conduct invasive and unnecessary exams. During these exams, patients were reportedly asked to undress or wear a gown. They were then subjected to unnecessary vaginal, breast, and rectal exams, involving inappropriate and non-clinical touching.
