Medical Disciplinary Actions

The Medical Board of California licenses physicians and other medical professionals. It also investigates medical complaints and issues disciplinary actions. The most serious penalties include license revocation, suspension and probation.

These are the Los Angeles County physicians and surgeons subject to serious disciplinary actions between May 1 and July 31, 1997, according to Medical Board documents. Generally, final actions are published only after all appeals are exhausted.

Daniel J. Alexander M.D., Los Angeles: Misdemeanor criminal conviction for violation of Business and Professions Code Section 650, engaged in acts involving dishonesty or corruption by repeatedly placing his signature on incomplete prescriptions or certificates of medical necessity that he provided to a company in exchange for unlawful compensation. Revocation of license stayed; five years’ probation. Effective June 30.

John Hyde Altman M.D., Los Angeles: Committed acts of sexual misconduct with a female patient. Revocation of license stayed; 2 1/2 years’ probation. Effective May 29.

James Haim Isidoro Bicher M.D., Tarzana: Charged with negligence, gross negligence and incompetence in his care and treatment of three cancer patients. Admits there is a basis for the imposition of discipline. Revocation of license stayed; 18 months’ probation effective Dec. 29, 1995. Probation completed June 29, 1997.

Lee B. Bloom M.D., Hidden Hills: Failed to restrain himself from verbally abusing and striking a hospitalized adolescent. Disciplined via public letter of reprimand*. Effective Feb. 25, 1997.

Charles Lynnwood Johnson M.D., Pasadena: Gross negligence, incompetence and repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of seven patients. Revocation of license stayed; seven years’ probation. Effective June 30.

Alexander Angel Mendez M.D., Whittier: Admits the history documented in a patient’s chart was grossly inadequate given the patient’s chief complaints. Sixty days’ suspension of license stayed; 30 months’ probation. Effective July 10.

William Warren Rose Jr. M.D., Diamond Bar: Felony conviction of conspiracy of two or more people to commit the crime of practicing medicine without a license. Revocation of license stayed; license suspended for six months; five years’ probation. Effective May 12.

Ahmed Abdul Rahma Shohayeb M.D., Los Angeles: Sexual misconduct with two patients. License revoked. Effective May 23.

Murray Richard Susser M.D., Santa Monica: Charged with two incidents of failing to timely and adequately diagnose cancer, and failure to diagnose a patient with acute pancreatitis. Admits his license is subject to discipline for unprofessional conduct. Revocation of license stayed; three years’ probation. Effective May 12.

Amnuay Vutikullird M.D., Norwalk: Inability to diagnose a patient’s ruptured Achilles tendon, and failure to recognize his own limitations and refer the patient for a second medical opinion and continuation of physical therapy based on an erroneous sprained ankle diagnosis. Revocation of license stayed; three years’ probation. Effective July 28.

* A lesser form of discipline that can be negotiated for minor violations before or after the filing of formal charges (accusations). The licensee is chastised in the form of a letter that becomes a part of his or her public record.

Source: Medical Board of California, Sacramento.