Dr. Derrick Todd, a former rheumatologist affiliated with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, is facing a massive legal battle as over 200 patients, including women and men, have accused him of sexual abuse. The allegations, which span over a decade from 2011 to 2023, claim that Dr. Todd performed unnecessary and invasive medical exams under the guise of legitimate care. The class action lawsuit, filed in October 2023, has rocked the medical community, raising questions about institutional failures in protecting patients and the broader implications for medical ethics.
The Allegations: Abuse Masquerading as Medical Care
Dr. Derrick Todd’s accusers describe a pattern of inappropriate and invasive behavior during medical visits that had little to do with his specialty as a rheumatologist. Patients reported being subjected to pelvic, breast, and rectal exams that were not only medically unnecessary but also performed without standard procedures, such as using gloves or providing proper explanations. Many victims described the experiences as traumatic, leaving them feeling violated and confused, unaware at the time that they were being abused. Some of these exams lasted an inordinate amount of time, with victims stating that Todd appeared to enjoy the discomfort he caused, exacerbating their emotional and physical pain.
The lawsuit also revealed that Todd had established inappropriate boundaries with patients, such as texting them outside of office hours and performing gynecological exams despite not being a specialist in that field. These interactions often left patients questioning the legitimacy of his care but uncertain of how to respond given his respected medical credentials and affiliation with a top-tier institution like Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Institutional Failures and Lack of Oversight
The lawsuit implicates not only Dr. Todd but also the institutions that employed him, including Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates. According to the class action complaint, these organizations failed to properly supervise Todd or act on early warning signs. Despite internal complaints and concerns raised by other healthcare professionals, Todd continued to practice without restrictions for years. It wasn’t until June 2023 that an internal investigation led to his administrative leave and eventual resignation. By that time, the damage had already been done to hundreds of patients.
The institutions involved are now accused of negligence for allowing Todd’s abusive behavior to persist. Victims’ attorneys argue that the hospitals should have been more proactive in addressing complaints, citing their responsibility to ensure patient safety. This negligence forms a significant part of the lawsuit, with plaintiffs seeking accountability not just from Todd but from the system that enabled his conduct to continue unchecked.
The Legal Battle: A Fight for Justice
The class action lawsuit against Dr. Todd was officially filed in Suffolk Superior Court in October 2023. It brings together hundreds of survivors, many of whom had been unaware that others had experienced similar abuse until media reports and hospital outreach made them realize they were not alone. The lawsuit includes 27 counts, ranging from sexual assault and battery to negligent infliction of emotional distress. These charges reflect the scope and severity of the alleged abuse, with patients describing profound psychological harm that has impacted their ability to trust medical professionals or seek necessary care.
Dr. Todd, through his attorney, has denied the allegations and stated his intention to defend his actions in court. However, in September 2023, he voluntarily agreed to stop practicing medicine while investigations by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and law enforcement are ongoing. This move, while significant, has not alleviated the concerns of many former patients, who continue to struggle with the emotional fallout of their experiences.
Broader Implications for the Medical Community
The Dr. Derrick Todd case has broader implications for the medical community, particularly regarding the oversight of physicians and the protocols in place to protect patients from abuse. Critics argue that the hospital’s delayed response and failure to act on early complaints allowed Todd’s abusive practices to continue for far too long. This case underscores the need for stronger safeguards, such as more rigorous monitoring of doctors’ interactions with patients and clear procedures for handling internal complaints about inappropriate behavior.
Furthermore, the case has raised awareness about the vulnerability of patients with chronic conditions, like those treated by Dr. Todd. Many of Todd’s patients had long-term relationships with him, which he allegedly exploited by positioning himself as their primary and most trusted medical provider. This dynamic made it difficult for victims to recognize the abuse, let alone report it.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
The lawsuit against Dr. Derrick Todd represents one of the largest medical abuse cases in recent history, with more than 200 victims coming forward to share their harrowing experiences. The legal battle ahead will not only seek justice for those affected but will also likely lead to systemic changes in how medical institutions handle complaints of sexual misconduct. As more details emerge, this case will continue to serve as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of patient safety and the need for accountability at all levels of healthcare.
