More than 200 women and several men have joined a lawsuit against Dr. Derrick Todd, a former rheumatologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, accusing him of performing unnecessary pelvic floor therapy, breast examinations, testicular examinations, and rectal examinations on patients. The lawsuit alleges that Todd began abusing patients in 2010 and accuses other defendants, including Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates, of failing to stop the abuse. Todd has reached a voluntary agreement with the Board of Registration in Medicine to stop practicing medicine anywhere in the country, and no criminal charges have been filed against him.
A 33-year-old Massachusetts woman who struggled to find a doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic became a victim of Todd’s abuse. Over two years, Todd became her primary doctor and gynecologist, conducting invasive exams including repeated vaginal exams and making inappropriate comments about her body. The abuse impacted every aspect of her life, leading her to report Todd to the medical board after discussing his behavior with her gynecologist. She feels relieved that Todd will no longer practice medicine but continues to struggle with the aftermath of the abuse.
The lawsuit alleges that Todd would gain the trust of his patients, go beyond treating their rheumatic diseases, and become their only doctor while conducting invasive and unnecessary exams. Victims ranged in age from teenagers to women in their 60s, and the abuse impacted them on a deep level. Some victims, like Kristin Fritz, struggled to come to terms with the violation of their trust by a trusted medical professional at a world-class facility. Fritz acknowledged that the experience will stay with her for the rest of her life and takes solace in the fact that Todd is no longer able to practice medicine.
Todd was placed on administrative leave by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in June and terminated a month later after an internal investigation was launched in response to anonymous complaints. The hospital notified the Department of Public Health, the state Board of Registration in Medicine, law enforcement, and Todd’s current and former patients. Several former patients have been interviewed by law enforcement, and Todd has reached a voluntary agreement to stop practicing medicine. While no criminal charges have been filed against Todd, he remains under investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
The victims in the lawsuit against Todd include women who were subjected to unnecessary pelvic floor therapy, breast examinations, testicular examinations, and rectal examinations. Todd allegedly abused his position of trust as a medical professional to exploit vulnerable patients for his own gratification. The lawsuit also accuses other defendants of knowing about the abuse and failing to intervene, allowing the abuse to continue for years. The victims, ranging from teenagers to women in their 60s, have suffered deeply as a result of Todd’s actions, impacting their trust in medical professionals and their overall well-being.
The lawsuit against Todd highlights the deep impact of sexual abuse by a trusted medical professional on the victims’ lives. The abuse, which involved invasive and unnecessary exams, has left lasting scars on the victims, affecting their confidence, mental health, and ability to trust medical professionals. While some victims, like Kristin Fritz, find solace in knowing that Todd will never practice medicine again, others continue to struggle with the aftermath of the abuse. The lawsuit seeks justice for the victims and holds Todd and other defendants accountable for their actions in allowing the abuse to continue unchecked for years.
