Doctor reprimanded by medical board
DERRY – The state Board of Medicine has reprimanded a Derry physician following a complaint from a patient about unprofessional conduct.
The female patient, who was diagnosed as being HIV-positive in September 2002, complained to the board after Dr. Mary Ellen Brooks refused to provide medical care or to speak with her about finding another doctor, according to a settlement agreement released this week.
Brooks had been the woman’s primary care physician since 1999. Last May, Brooks had a nurse call the woman to cancel a scheduled appointment because the doctor believed she was unable to address the woman’s medical needs because of her HIV status, according to the board.
The nurse offered the woman assistance in finding another primary care physician, according to the board. The woman was upset that Brooks did not call her directly and never spoke with her about the issue, according to the board.
The board found that Brooks demonstrated unprofessional conduct and reprimanded her. The settlement resolves the issue without a disciplinary hearing.
