Court upholds decision to strip radiologist of license for performing cosmetic surgeries
A county judge backed a decision by the Ohio Medical Board to strip a radiologist of his license, at least until his appeal plays out in state court. Wade Banker, MD, lost his license in April 2023 after allegations surfaced that he was providing services to patients for conditions that fell far outside of his field of expertise, including conducting plastic surgeries.
A report from WTOL11 says the judge's decision upholds the power of the medical board to halt Banker from practicing medicine in the state, including in his field of diagnostic and interventional radiology.
As covered by Health Imaging, between 2014 and 2018, Banker allegedly provided "inappropriate care" to 15 patients, including treatments for conditions such as hypogonadism, obesity, erectile dysfunction and hormonal imbalances. Despite a lack of qualifications, Banker reportedly performed cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentations and laser treatments.
Patients claim that Banker did not disclose his lack of expertise as a plastic surgeon, leading to instances where standard procedures resulted in severe consequences, with one patient losing her bellybutton during a tummy tuck.
A report from the Ohio Medical Board includes incidents of a patient being sent to the emergency department with severe burns from a botched laser treatment and liposuction, and another requiring CPR during surgery after repeatedly losing consciousness. The medical board attributed these failures to Banker's inadequate acquisition of medical histories, insufficient documentation of treatments, lack of postoperative follow-up, improper monitoring of medications and inappropriate prescribing practices.
Notably, these incidents occurred within Luxe Laser Center, a medical spa owned by Banker, where patients sought his services.
Banker disputes the allegations and has a hearing with the Ohio 10th District Court of Appeals scheduled for April 3.
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