Probation Ordered for 2 Area Physicians

Two Ventura County physicians have been disciplined for violating state medical practices, according to a quarterly report released by the Medical Board of California.

Ventura dermatologist Dr. Robert Jordan and Oak View physician Dr. R. Claire Friend were placed on extended terms of probation following separate investigations by the medical board.

Jordan, who said Tuesday that he is in his third year of recovery from substance abuse, was placed on five years’ probation after the board stayed a revocation of his medical license.

He was disciplined for, among other things, prescribing drugs to himself.

“The discipline often lags behind how we’re doing,” Jordan said. “All is going very well, better than it has in my entire life.

“I’m sorry I had to go through some rocky roads to get here, but I wouldn’t trade where I am now,” said Jordan, who now makes it a point to volunteer within the community for such services as removing tattoos from former gang members.

Friend, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, had her license revoked for 30 days and had her five years’ probation extended another two years.

Claire was accused of forging signatures on slips turned in to the medical board that allegedly verified that she had performed community service imposed by the board for an earlier violation.

“We got two verifications to the effect that she had [done the community service],” said Candis Cohen, spokeswoman for the Medical Board of California. “But the signatures were forged.”

It was not disclosed Tuesday what Friend did earlier to be placed on probation.