Pubdate: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 Source: Daily Egyptian (IL Edu) Issue: Vol 86, No 163 Copyright: 2001 Daily Egyptian Contact: http://www.dailyegyptian.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/779 Author: Brett Nauman SIU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE PHYSICIANS ACCUSED OF DRUG ABUSE State officials have filed complaints against three SIU School of Medicine physicians contending they have drug problems and should have their medical licenses revoked. The Illinois Department of Professional Regulation has accused two physicians of filling out phony prescriptions to support their pain killer habits and another of smoking crack cocaine. Spokesman for the President Scott Kaiser would not comment on the IDPR complaints, stating that the University thinks it inappropriate to discuss pending allegations. Associate Professor in the School of Medicine Dr. James Goodrich allegedly filled out false prescriptions last year for more than 5,000 tablets of pain killers such as hydrocodone, Ultram and hydromorphone. Goodrich, who continues to treat patients in Springfield, has violated terms of his probation if convicted of the charges. In 1996, Goodrich admitted that he has a history of chemical dependency when he agreed to the terms of probation in order to receive his medical license. According to terms of the probation, Goodrich was forced to submit blood and urine samples randomly and "refrain from the use of all mood-altering psychoactive drugs." He was also mandated to abstain from using alcohol and told to attend three Alcoholic Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous meetings each week. Goodrich was supposed to be subject to the probation until 2008. As of press time Tuesday, Goodrich had not returned repeated phone calls from the Daily Egyptian. Spokesman for the IDPR Tony Sanders said he did not know how the department obtained evidence against Goodrich or the other two physicians. "What we include in our complaints is everything we have," Sanders said. He added, in regard to Goodrich's case, "Typically in other probation cases it is learned in the course of the investigation." Two other SIU trainee physicians were implicated for what the department asserts is drug abuse. Drs. Michael Connolly and Hatem Nasar Abdeen have both been accused of using controlled substances. Connolly allegedly admitted to a colleague that he was a "habitual" crack-cocaine user, according to the complaint filed against him. Abdeen's complaint alleges that he was self-prescribing drugs such as Tylenol No. 3, Xanax, Valium, Librium, Diazepam, Paxil and Xenical. In addition to the unlawful use and prescription of the drugs, the department alleges that Abdeen used another physician's signature to obtain the drugs. Both Goodrich and Abdeen have hired attorneys to represent them in the case. Allen Rhine, an attorney from Chicago representing Goodrich, defended his client in Monday's Springfield State Journal-Register. "These are only allegations, " Rhine said. "The department hasn't presented one iota of proof." The three physicians will now begin a long legal process where they will attempt to disprove the IDPR's evidence. An administrative judge will listen to both sides argue their cases and will submit a report to the department's disciplinary board. Based on the judge's report, the board will recommend a suitable punishment to the director of the IDPR. Sanders said the process takes a long time and resembles a criminal trial. Sanders also added that the department regularly files complaints against physicians. In 1999, the board filed charges against 99 physicians, while 126 were charged in 2000. Director of Public Affairs for SIU Nancy Zimmers refused to confirm any particulars about the complaints or whether Connolly or Abdeen are practicing medicine now. Zimmer did add that the University will forego punishing the physicians until the department makes a decision on their complaints. In light of the complaints, Zimmers reiterated that the University will provide the necessary treatment to physicians with problems and see that are given medical leave. "The School of Medicine is very attentive to our responsibility for having competent physicians on staff and in our resident training programs to provide good patient care," Zimmers said. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth