Pubdate: Thu, 16 Dec 2004
Source: Midland Reporter-Telegram (TX)
Copyright: 2004 The Midland Reporter-Telegram
Contact:  http://www.mywesttexas.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/264
Author: Emily Baker, Staff Writer

STATE BRINGS DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST DOCTOR

Placed on professional probation for admittedly using cocaine while
seeing patients, a longtime Midland obstetrician-gynecologist is being
allowed to practice under stringent requirements imposed by the Texas
State Board of Medical Examiners in Austin.

State board spokeswoman Jill Wiggins said an order to suspend the
medical license of Dr. Ernesto Philip Rhodes, 48, from Aug. 13 through
Oct. 30 was stayed in favor of probation.

Case documentation showed Rhodes "reports a history of abuse of
alcohol, marijuana and intravenous use of cocaine. Respondent also
voluntarily reports an addiction to Internet pornography as well as
short-term use of amphetamines, benzodiazepines, Ecstasy, steroids and
inhalants."

The board, however, found no reason to believe the doctor's patients
suffered as a result of his addictions.

"Board staff found no evidence that respondent's care of patients was
sub-standard or lacking," a state document said.

Wiggins said Rhodes successfully completed a treatment program at
Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center at Rayville, La., and has been
sober since Oct. 31, 2003. Rhodes was ordered to attend at least five
addiction support meetings per week.

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners spokeswoman provided
documents from Rhodes' hearing, that said he "self-reported substance
abuse to the board" last year.

The doctor was also ordered to undergo random drug and alcohol
screenings and periodic examinations by a board-approved physician.
His office address was listed as 3801 Crestline Ave.

Documents the board provided the Reporter-Telegram indicated Rhodes
voluntarily reported his drug use and pornography addiction last year.

"Once we receive information, an investigation is warranted, our
investigators can subpoena records and prepare a case for a panel of
board members," she said. "There is considerable due process. His
license is active."

A spokeswoman for Midland Memorial Hospital said Rhodes has retained
his privileges there.

Wiggins said Rhodes graduated from Temple University School of
Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1989, got his Texas medical license
in 1993 and began practicing in Midland that year.

Efforts to reach the doctor Wednesday were unsuccessful.
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