Statement by Steven M. Malkin, MD, FACP, ISMS President

“No patient, under any circumstance, should have to worry about the specter of sexual abuse when seeking care and counseling from a physician. Period.

For this reason, the Illinois State Medical Society is actively reviewing the very serious issues raised by the Chicago Tribune’s report of potential weaknesses in the medical licensure and discipline process related to physicians convicted of sex crimes. We are working with Senator Kirk Dillard and commend him for his plan to correct current Illinois medical licensing and disciplinary law, and we pledge to work with him, as well as the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Illinois General Assembly, to do so.

There is nothing more important than preserving the integrity of our medical profession and, along with it, the bond of trust between patients and physicians.”