Dothan doctor’s license suspended after complaints of sexual misconduct

By Greg Phillips

Published: June 17, 2008

A Dothan doctor who had his medical license suspended recently amidst allegations of sexual misconduct will have to go before the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama in September to answer the allegations against him.

In a report filed with the commission on May 23, the State Board of Medical Examiners claims Gregory A. Johns “engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct” with Southeast Alabama Medical Center emergency room patients on two separate occasions.

According to the report, the board forced Johns to undergo a psychological and sexual misconduct evaluation in April, at which time he was diagnosed with at least one major sexual disorder. Beginning May 8, he entered treatment two days a week, but continued to practice medicine on non-treatment days.

The report, which is undersigned by the board’s executive director, Larry D. Dixon, says, “The continuation of the authority of Dr. Johns to practice medicine in Alabama may constitute an immediate danger to patients or to the public and ... the board has in its possession evidence to support this finding.”

Southeast Alabama Medical Center released a statement Tuesday supporting the commission’s decision.

“Southeast Alabama Medical Center has cooperated fully with the state in this matter and has suspended Dr. Johns’ medical privileges,” said Rick Smith, vice-president of marketing and community relations at SAMC. “The Medical Center will continue to cooperate with authorities as they continue their investigation into this matter.”

The first incident mentioned in the report is alleged to have occurred in November 2006. According to the board, the inappropriate conduct took place while the patient was “incapacitated due to medication, drugs and/or alcohol.”

On Sept. 30, 2007, Johns allegedly attempted a repeat offense on another patient he believed to be incapacitated due to the effects of medication. This patient, however, was still conscious.

Dr. Jerry N. Gurley, chairman of the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama, officially suspended Johns’ license in a letter dated May 28.

Johns will go before the commission on Sept. 17 in Montgomery to answer the charges.

Representatives for the State Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Licensure Commission did not return calls Tuesday.