Washington fines eye surgeon for insulting staff: 5 things to know

Laura Dyrda -

Washington state fined a physician for allegedly "insulting and belittling" staff members, according to a report in The Lewiston Tribune.

 

Five things to know:

1. Staff at Retina Laser Eye Center in Kennewick, Wash, accused owner Charles Sung, MD, of "disruptive behavior" in 2015 through 2016, allegedly berating staff at times in front of patients.

2. While Dr. Sung disputes the accusations as untrue, and no substantiated reports of other incidents have occurred in the interim, the state Department of Health fined him $8,000.

3. Dr. Sung also allegedly had employees without the appropriate credentials assisting him in surgeries, a charge Dr. Sung also denies.

4. Beyond paying the fine, Dr. Sung will undergo psychotherapy and consult with a professional coach, as well as undergo a "professional boundaries course."

5. Within the next six months, Dr. Sung must also develop workplace environment policies that will eliminate "intimidation and hostility."

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