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News Release — November 21, 2005
MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
November 21, 2005
Medical Board of California Obtains
Suspension of Mill Valley Physician's License
SACRAMENTO—In response to a Petition filed by Deputy Attorney General Thomas P. Reilly on behalf of the Medical Board, Administrative Law Judge Cheryl Tomkin issued a full suspension order on November 18, 2005 against the medical license of Michael J. Dietrick, M.D. of Mill Valley. The suspension order is based on a finding that, among other things, permitting Dietrick to continue to engage in the practice of medicine would endanger the public health, safety, and welfare. Medical Board Executive Director Dave Thornton stated, "The mission of the Medical Board is to protect healthcare consumers. We work diligently to achieve our mission by vigorously enforcing the Medical Practice Act."
The Medical Board's Petition alleges that Dietrick had repeatedly violated the Medical Practice Act, and is subject to disciplinary action under section 2234(b) (c) (d) and (e) (gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, incompetence, and dishonesty). After reviewing voluminous evidence, including evidence supplied by Dietrick's attorney, a highly qualified medical expert concluded that he is both incompetent and dangerous.
In 1998, one of Dietrick's psychiatric patients started a high tech company. Dietrick became deeply involved in the business affairs of the company, including writing a business plan for the enterprise, securing investors, and providing management advice for which he was paid. From 1998 through 2000, Dietrick continued his inappropriate dual role, both as the patient's therapist and business associate. During this period, Dietrick also persuaded other patients and their families to invest in this business. Throughout this time, Dietrick continued to function as the patients' psychiatrist, all the while repeatedly and egregiously violating the boundaries of their therapeutic relationships and continually violating the confidentiality of the doctor-patient relationship. When the business began to fail, Dietrick started harassing the patient who started the company via telephone calls and e-mail messages by making threats of personal and financial consequences if the patient did not follow his advice. In February 2004, upon learning that another patient investor had filed a complaint with the Medical Board, Dietrick telephoned and e-mailed the patient's family members demanding that the complaint be retracted or he would attempt to have the patient arrested and that the whole family would be drawn into this fight and "a lot of bad things will become public."
A hearing is set for December 6, 2005 at the Office of Administrative Hearings in Oakland to determine if the suspension will remain in effect pending the completion of administrative disciplinary proceedings.
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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.caldocinfo.ca.gov or for questions call the Consumer Information Line at (916) 263-2382, or with complaints call (800) 633-2322.
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