03/03/2014    

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE)

RE: TN Podiatrist's License Revoked for Practicing With a Suspended License

From: Michael Lawrence, DPM

 

The editor of this forum chose to publish certain information about me that was technically correct. But as we see so often in the media, important  elements and facts are not included. 

 

Years ago, I was confronted by an agent of the DEA regarding controlled medications that I had procured and used for humanitarian work. The federal government investigated for over two years  and found nothing to refute what I had told them. I was guilty of "improper record keeping." Simply stated, I did not...

 

Editor's note: Dr. Lawrence's extended-length letter appears here. The Tennessee discipline reports can be read here and here.

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03/05/2014    

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE)

RE: TN Podiatrist's License Revoked for Practicing With a Suspended License (Michael Lawrence, DPM) 

From: Simon Young, DPM

 

I truly feel for Dr. Lawrence's plight, and hope I am never in such a situation. Once he signed on the dotted line without proper legal representation, the ball game was over. Even if you donate your services, you still must follow state law and are liable for the consequences.

 

After 35 years in practice, it's sad to hear that he didn't have enough resources to hire an attorney. Was Legal Aid, PICA, or a state society lawyer available to guide him (at a discounted rate) through his travail. Nevertheless, no one should ever sign such a legal document at any cost without some sort of legal representation and without understanding the consequences. Your side of the story is moot, and you need to be aware of collateral potential damage which might follow. I wish Dr. Lawrence the best.

 

Simon Young DPM, NY, NY, simonyoung@juno.com