A now-suspended Houston Methodist urologist, Dr. Nathan Starke, tested positive for cocaine and allegedly performed surgeries while impaired. He faces mounting scrutiny as the Texas Medical Board investigates his potential threat to public safety.
On January 7, the Texas Medical Board (TMB) announced Starke’s suspension, which was made official on December 20. The suspension, implemented without prior notice, temporarily halted his medical practice, citing a potential threat to public safety.
During August and September of last year, Dr. Starke reportedly participated in multiple surgeries while appearing impaired. In early September, Houston Methodist suspended Dr. Starke, and around October 15, he tested positive for cocaine.
According to TMB, unless Dr. Starke waives his right to a hearing, a temporary suspension hearing will be scheduled as soon as is practicable, with at least 10 days’ notice provided to him. The temporary suspension will remain in effect until the board takes further action, likely following the outcome of the hearing.
Meanwhile, Houston Methodist told Texas Scorecard that “the only information we can share is that he is no longer employed at Houston Methodist.” The TMB did not respond to a request for comment at time of publication.
Separately, in August of last year, a former nurse at Houston Methodist Hospital had her license revoked. She was sentenced to 120 days in jail and four years of probation after being caught on video stealing drugs such as fentanyl and hydromorphone from the hospital.
Houston Methodist and the TMB also remain embroiled in controversy over their handling of Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, a prominent figure in the ongoing debate over COVID-19 treatments. Dr. Bowden treated more than 6,000 COVID-19 patients without a single reported death. However, allegations of unprofessional conduct and violations of the standard of care filed by Houston Methodist and Texas Health Huguley Hospital have led to a legal battle lasting over two and a half years.
Critics argue that the prolonged proceedings are designed to drain time and resources, regardless of the eventual outcome. Dr. Bowden has consistently maintained her innocence, asserting that she is a victim of a system aimed at suppressing independent medical opinions.
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