Orange : Physician Denies Malpractice Claims

An Orange neurosurgeon denies charges that he mistreated five patients during the 1980s, his attorney said Thursday.

Dr. Donald R. Defeo, 53, was accused of “gross negligence” and “incompetence” in a complaint filed Aug. 14 by the state attorney general’s office on behalf of the California Medical Board.

“These are outrageous charges,” said attorney Steven Hillyard.

“Here’s a doctor who is a pillar in the community and an excellent neurosurgeon,” Hillyard added. “He practiced for 12 years before these cases and six years after with absolutely no complaints.”

Defeo has responded to the Medical Board’s complaint with a general denial of the allegations and a request for a hearing, said Deputy Atty. Gen. Sherry L. Ledakis.

The board, which licenses and disciplines doctors, based its complaint on one 1983 case and four 1985 cases.

“(Defeo) has met his responsibility by participating in prior lawsuits and dealing with them,” Hillyard said. “Those matters have been resolved. It seems outrageous that the board would attempt to re-create the wheel seven years later.”

Defeo received his license in 1968 and was formerly on staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange. He resigned from the hospital in the late 1980s. His physician and surgeon’s license is still in effect, and he practices neurology in Orange.

Defeo has requested a hearing before an administrative law judge. The judge will then decide if the doctor’s license should be revoked or restricted.