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Ohio Plastic Surgeon Dr. Katharine Roxanne Grawe Loses Medical License Over TikTok Livestreams
On July 12, 2023, the State Medical Board of Ohio voted to permanently revoke the medical license of Dr. Katharine Roxanne Grawe, a plastic surgeon known as “Dr. Roxy,” following an investigation into her livestreaming of surgeries on TikTok and reported surgical complications by patients.1
Dr. Grawe’s Social Media Presence:
Dr. Grawe, who intended to use social media for educational purposes, faced consequences for violating patient privacy and failing to meet the standard of care. Her online persona, “Dr. Roxy,” became a focal point of criticism during the hearing.
Medical Board Hearing:
Reasons for License Revocation:
During the hearing, the medical board cited instances of recklessness and disregard for medical practice rules in Dr. Grawe’s treatment of patients. The board emphasized that the complications reported were not normal and were caused by Dr. Grawe’s behavior.
Impact of Social Media Presence:
The medical board argued that Dr. Grawe’s social media presence amplified her reckless behavior, accusing her of using it primarily to grow her brand rather than for educational purposes.
Dr. Grawe’s Response:
Reflection and Consequences:
Dr. Grawe, addressing the board, acknowledged falling below the board’s ideal and expressed regret for the impact on her personal and professional life. She admitted that some of her videos appeared unprofessional and vowed to reflect on the critiques.
Personal Consequences:
- The stress from the situation led to personal hardships for Dr. Grawe, including her husband leaving, her children facing harassment, and the need to fire employees at her clinic.
- Dr. Grawe has 15 days to appeal the decision, and her TikTok account is now private.
- The medical board’s concerns, including prior cautions about patient privacy, were outlined in a suspension notice sent to Dr. Grawe in November.
Patient Complications:
The article highlights complications experienced by three unnamed patients treated by Dr. Grawe, leading to the medical board’s decision to revoke her license.
The details of these cases, involving surgeries such as Brazilian Butt Lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast augmentation, are outlined, emphasizing the severity of the complications and the impact on patients’ health.
The Rise and Fall of Dr. Roxy: A Social Media Sensation
Unveiling the Surgeon’s TikTok Stardom
In the realm of social media, plastic surgeon Dr. Katharine Roxanne Grawe, popularly known as “Dr. Roxy,” rose to prominence, captivating a massive audience on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Her engaging videos showcased surgical procedures, including liposuction, with a unique blend of charisma and expertise, earning her a substantial following.2
The Unraveling: Botched Surgeries and Legal Consequences
However, the glittering facade of Dr. Roxy’s social media stardom crumbled when a series of botched surgeries came to light, leading to a cascade of legal and professional repercussions. Freelance writer and author Judith Newman explores the shocking turn of events that unfolded in Dr. Roxy’s operating room.
Medical Board Investigation and Patient Testimonies
Complaints and Complications
The Ohio State Medical Board, faced with mounting complaints, initiated an investigation into Dr. Roxy’s practices. While the board remained tight-lipped about the number and timeline of grievances, at least three patients reported severe complications, including bowel perforations, multiple punctures, and implants not removed as intended.
Patient One’s Harrowing Experience
Detailed accounts from patients, particularly Patient One, shed light on the extent of the medical complications. A two-time operative recipient of Dr. Roxy’s procedures, Patient One faced life-threatening consequences, enduring a perforated small bowel, severe infection, and the loss of her abdominal wall.
Legal Proceedings and Hearing
Suspension and Hearing
Following a temporary suspension in November 2022, Dr. Roxy faced a five-day hearing in May 2023 to determine the fate of her medical license. Despite assertions of relatability and empowerment through social media, Dr. Roxy’s practices were scrutinized for their impact on patient care.
Livestreaming Surgery and Alleged Distractions
The hearing highlighted Dr. Roxy’s penchant for livestreaming surgeries, raising questions about potential distractions and deviations from the standard of care. Medical experts, including Ohio plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Surfield, weighed in on the risks associated with maintaining focus on social media during critical procedures.
Condenan al médico de Maradona por narcotráfico.
Se trata del colombiano Hernando Mauricio Vergara, quien hizo parte de una red internacional de narcotráfico y en la que participaron otros 12 colombianos. La justicia española lo expulsará del país y no podr entrar durante 10 años— CoffeeBrew66 (@galissaire6) September 4, 2023
Patient Perspectives and Personal Stories
Initial Admiration Turns to Regret
Former patients, initially drawn to Dr. Roxy’s charisma and relatability, share their personal stories of admiration turned to regret. Complications ranging from infections to severe scarring prompted some patients to reconsider their initial positive impressions.
Allegations of Malpractice and Ongoing Lawsuits
Dr. Roxy’s history of malpractice allegations predates her social media fame, as exemplified by a lawsuit from breast-cancer survivor Mary Jenkins. Multiple ongoing lawsuits against Dr. Roxy and her practice further underscore the gravity of the allegations and the potential consequences.
The Verdict and Aftermath
Revocation of Medical License
In July, the Ohio Medical Board reached a decisive verdict, revoking Dr. Roxy’s license to practice medicine in the state. The legal battle and mounting evidence led to a majority decision by the board, signaling the end of Dr. Roxy’s medical career in Ohio.
Social Media Retreat and Remaining Questions
In the aftermath of the verdict, Dr. Roxy’s social media presence dwindled, with wiped business pages and a private TikTok account. While she contends it was a “witch hunt,” questions linger about her practices, patient care, and the impact of social media on medical professionalism.
Colombian Doctor Treating Diego Maradona Convicted of Drug Trafficking
Overview of the Conviction
On September 5, 2023, Hernando Mauricio Vergara, the Colombian doctor known for treating Diego Maradona, was convicted of drug trafficking by the Spanish justice system. The conviction revealed his involvement in a drug trafficking network, comprising 12 other Colombians.3
Legal Consequences
Following the conviction, Vergara, also known as “El doctorcito,” faces expulsion from Spanish territory. Authorities have made it clear that he will not be permitted to re-enter the country.
Doctor’s Involvement in Drug Trafficking Network
Association with Criminal Organization
Hernando Mauricio Vergara, a professional doctor, played an intermediate role within the drug trafficking organization. He was responsible for logistical tasks and coordinating the shipment of narcotics to European countries, as directed by the organization’s leader.4
Front Business – Meraki Clinic
Vergara owns the Meraki Clinic on Santiago Bernabeu street in Madrid. The clinic, ostensibly for beauty treatments, served as a front for the criminal organization. It facilitated meetings, masked illegal activities, and provided a location for the group’s operations.
Links to Maradona and Previous Legal Troubles
Connection with Edwin Congo
While Vergara had been linked to Colombian striker Edwin Congo, authorities have not implicated the former player in the ongoing investigation.
Previous Arrest and Relationship with Maradona
Vergara’s connection with Maradona dates back to 2022 when he was arrested at Cali airport with two kilograms of cocaine. It was noted that Maradona had not returned to consult with Vergara after this incident.
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Statements from Involved Parties
Response from Edwin Congo
Edwin Congo, when questioned about the situation, expressed calmness and stated that he was not implicated in the investigation. He highlighted answering questions from authorities and returning home afterward.
El Espectador’s Report
El Espectador reported on Vergara’s role within the organization, emphasizing his logistical responsibilities and the use of Meraki Clinic as a meeting place for illegal activities.
Fatal Accident at Tocancipá Autodrome
The article briefly mentions a fatal accident at the Tocancipá Autodrome involving a young pilot.
Unrelated Shooting Incident
The text also references the shooting death of a Panama National Team player in confusing circumstances.
El Doctorcito Video: Introduction to Dr. Katharine Roxanne
The El Doctorcito video delves into the controversial figure of Dr. Katharine Roxanne, a surgeon whose online presence has stirred significant criticism and legal repercussions.
Social Media Controversy
Dr. Katharine Roxanne Grawe, a plastic surgeon accused of injuring patients while livestreaming some procedures on the social media app Tik Tok, will never again work as a doctor in Ohio. https://t.co/xmuNDtHb5t
— ???????????????????? ????????????????⚔️ ????????♒???????????? (@LMarieVResists) July 13, 2023
Dr. Roxie’s Online Persona and Ethical Concerns
Known as “Dr. Roxie” to her extensive social media following, Dr. Roxanne gained notoriety on TikTok, where her content blurred the lines of professionalism. This section explores the concerning trend in her social media activities, particularly on TikTok, and the ethical questions raised by her sharing of life-saving medical procedures for entertainment purposes.
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Viral Video Fallout
Professionalism and Ethics in the Operating Room
The El Doctorcito video viral sheds light on Dr. Roxie’s unexpected blend of lighthearted content and serious medical procedures. This section discusses the public outrage and legal consequences stemming from her online presence, emphasizing the clash between social media, medical ethics, and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
Legal Repercussions
Surgeon’s Legal Troubles and Patient Consequences
In the aftermath of Dr. Katharine Roxanne’s controversial actions, legal developments highlight severe repercussions, especially in a specific liposuction surgery case. This section focuses on the court’s criticism of her prioritizing filming over patient care, leading to immediate harm. The discussion includes instances of patients requiring emergency care and the documented complications ranging from skin issues to compromised bowels.
Past Disciplinary Actions
History of Disciplinary Actions Against Dr. Roxanne
This section explores the historical context of Dr. Roxanne’s disciplinary actions. Notably, the State Medical Board had issued warnings over the past five years, culminating in the temporary suspension of her license last year due to patient complaints about injuries sustained during her surgeries.
TikTok-Famous Plastic Surgeon Faces License Suspension
Allegations of Botched Surgeries and Privacy Violations
On December 12, 2022, Dr. Katherine Roxanne Grawe, widely known as “Doctor Roxy” on TikTok, had her medical license suspended following accusations of botched surgeries and privacy violations.
Dr. Grawe, a plastic surgeon based in Powell, Ohio, gained immense popularity on TikTok with over 842,000 followers, where she regularly shared clips of herself dancing in scrubs and engaging with viewers during surgical procedures.
Patients Left with Post-Surgery Injuries
Several patients have come forward, alleging post-surgery injuries, with claims that Dr. Grawe prioritized her online following over the well-being of her patients. The Daily Mail reported instances where individuals were left unable to work or stand after procedures performed by Dr. Grawe.
Suspension Details and Patient Testimonies
- Dr. Grawe’s medical license suspension by the State Medical Board of Ohio on November 18, 2022, prompted her to make her TikTok account private. The medical board accused her of jeopardizing patient safety by diverting attention to her livestream viewers during operations.
- Patients, including Julie Hager and Amber Runyon, shared harrowing experiences of alleged botched surgeries and complications.
- Lawsuits have been filed against Dr. Grawe’s practice, Roxy Plastic Surgery, with claims of improper medical advice, malfunctioning drainage systems, and lack of post-operative instructions.
Previous Warnings and Current Consequences
This isn’t Dr. Grawe’s first encounter with scrutiny. The medical board had previously warned her about patient privacy breaches in 2018 and 2021, resulting in her participation in educational courses on professionalism and ethics. However, concerns persisted, leading to more serious consequences.
Dr. Grawe’s license suspension, decided by a 7 to 0 vote with three members abstaining, gives her until December 17 to request a hearing. Roxy Plastic Surgery, owned by Dr. Grawe, has not responded to requests for comment.
Head: Plastic Surgery on TikTok and Industry Trends
:TikTok’s Impact on Plastic Surgery Industry
As transparency in plastic surgery increases on TikTok, the platform has become a hub for plastic surgeons seeking a larger audience. The surge in medical content includes hashtags like “medtok” with 2.3 billion views, “plasticsurgery” with 32.7 million, and “tiktoksurgeon” with 12 million.
Fame and Risks in the TikTok Plastic Surgery Community
Even as renowned plastic surgeons like Dr. Miami gain popularity on TikTok, showcasing their practices, there is a growing concern about the potential risks associated with the increased exposure and influence of social media on the plastic surgery industry.
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