Quick Links
- A-Z Index
- Physician Survey Data
- Role of the Medical Board of California
- Members and Executive Staff
- Committees and Task Forces
- Board and Committee Meetings
- Media Room
- Job Opportunities
- Complaints/Comments About the Board
- Important Phone and Fax Numbers
- District and Probation Office Locations
- Link to Groupwise Web Access
News Release — November 21, 2003
MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
November 21, 2003
Medical Board Revokes License of Stockton Physician
SACRAMENTO—The Medical Board of California has revoked the medical license of Stockton physician Ernest J. Dupraw, Jr., M.D., effective Nov. 20, 2003. Dupraw had been enjoined from practicing medicine since May 5, 2003, when the San Joaquin County Superior Court issued a full suspension pursuant to Penal Code section 23, which enjoins a physician from practicing medicine while criminal charges are pending against him.
The Medical Board filed an Accusation against Dupraw on Aug. 14, 2003, after he pled nolo contendere to driving under the influence of alcohol and driving on a suspended license. He was convicted by the Kern County Superior Court, placed on probation for three years, ordered to pay a fine, ordered not to indulge in the use of intoxicants, and to enroll in DUI school. He failed to comply with the terms of the alcohol program and failed to appear for DUI school, at which time the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
On Jan. 24, 2003 he was arrested again for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. On Feb. 14, 2003, he was arrested by the Bakersfield Police Department for disorderly conduct while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The matter was set for trial on May 9, 2003, but Dupraw failed to appear, and the matter was reset for July 14, 2003. On March 7, 2003 he was arrested by the California Highway Patrol in Lodi for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol level greater than 0.08%, and driving on a suspended license. On May 2, 2003, in criminal proceedings in the San Joaquin County Superior Court, Dupraw failed to appear. The court issued a No Bail Bench Warrant for his arrest. At the request of the Medical Board, the court then enjoined Dupraw from practicing medicine during the course of the proceedings.
A hearing date was set on the Medical Board's Accusation and Dupraw was duly noticed, but he failed to appear. His medical license was then revoked by default, pursuant to Government Code section 11520, for violation of Business and Professions Code section 2239-repeated use of alcoholic beverages to the extent as to be a danger to himself, others, or that such use impaired his ability to practice medicine safely.
********
The mission of the Medical Board is to protect healthcare consumers through the proper licensing and regulation of physicians and surgeons and certain allied healthcare professions and through the vigorous, objective enforcement of the Medical Practice Act.
If you have a question or complaint about the healthcare you are receiving, the Board encourages you to visit its Web site at www.medbd.ca.gov or for questions call the Consumer Information Line at (916) 263-2382, or with complaints call (800) 633-2322.
###
