A group of women has initiated a class-action lawsuit, alleging that a Boston-based doctor performed unnecessary physical examinations as a means of sexually assaulting them.
The lawsuit, filed last Friday, claims that Dr. Derrick Todd, a former rheumatologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, conducted pelvic, breast, and rectal exams solely for his sexual satisfaction while pretending to provide medical care. The women involved in the lawsuit assert that this conduct constitutes sexual assault.
The lawsuit asserts that Todd "violated his duty of care by conducting inappropriate bodily exams, practiced gynecological medicine without authorization, and sexually assaulted patients under the guise of medical treatment."
Attorney Andrew Meyer, who is representing the plaintiffs and spoke exclusively to PEOPLE, stated that more than 120 women have joined the lawsuit.
"All of their statements are quite incriminating regarding Dr. Todd’s behavior," Meyer alleges. "They have all described and alleged the same inappropriate conduct and excessive examinations."
Meyer, who filed the suit in Suffolk Superior Court, argues that as a rheumatologist, Todd's examinations should not have included breast and vaginal examinations.
Meyer emphasizes that for any vaginal or breast examination, it is mandatory to have a nurse or chaperone present.
The lawsuit claims that these alleged incidents took place over an extended period, starting as early as 2011 and continuing until July 2023. Brigham and Women's Hospital, in a statement to PEOPLE, clarified that this was the time when Todd became the subject of investigations by both the hospital and the Board of Registration in Medicine. The hospital initially suspended Todd, who held the position of Chief of Clinical Rheumatology at Brigham's Faulkner Hospital.
According to the statement, the hospital terminated Todd's employment on July 31 following an initial investigation prompted by complaints from two other physicians. The hospital also reported Todd's departure to the Department of Public Health and the Board of Registration in Medicine. Additionally, all of Todd's active patients were informed of his departure and received guidance for transitioning their care.
The statement also notes that in September, Todd voluntarily entered into an agreement to cease his medical practice, with this decision not constituting an admission of wrongdoing.
Dr. Charles Morris, Chief Medical Officer at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, expressed, "We deeply regret the harm Dr. Todd’s actions have caused our patients and their families." He added, "We take our duty to care for our patients and keep them safe extremely seriously. We have, and always will, act decisively on any allegations of misconduct, as we did in this case."
Prior to the lawsuit filed on Friday, two other legal actions were brought against the doctor. One of these cases also alleges sexual assault disguised as medical care, while the other, filed by a single plaintiff, contends that Todd engaged in sexually inappropriate remarks, compelled her to undress in front of him, and conducted unwarranted examinations involving inappropriate touching.
Brigham and Women's Hospital is named as a co-defendant in all three lawsuits, along with Charles River Medical Associates, where Todd was also employed.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Charles River Medical Associates conveyed that they had not received any complaints about Todd's inappropriate behavior from patients, staff, or other physicians throughout his tenure, including his last day on July 26th. The statement expressed disappointment and sadness over the allegations, underscoring their commitment to the health and safety of their patients.
In addition to these three lawsuits, a fourth lawsuit was filed against Todd in September by an unnamed patient, but it remains sealed, as reported by The Boston Globe.
Attempts to reach Todd's attorney, Ingrid Martin, were unsuccessful.
The Boston Police Department, Suffolk County District Attorney, and the Board of Registration in Medicine are currently investigating the allegations, although no criminal charges have been filed against Todd.
The police, the district attorney's office, and the board have not responded to PEOPLE's request for comment.
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