Multiple Female Patients report Sexual Harassment by the same Doctor
California – Dr. Manuel Tanguma from Graybill Medical Group located in San Marcos has been accused of sexually harassing several elderly patients during their medical visits. The women claimed that Dr. Tanguma often approached them unexpectedly with sexual advances.
A woman named Michelle said, “I wasn’t prepared for this at all because this was my doctor.” As a widow, at the age of 70, Michelle expected nothing less than respect and treatment during her visit. Michelle said the misconduct commenced in July 2013 when she selected Dr. Tanguma to be her new “primary care” physician.
Michelle alleged that she experienced unwanted physical contact from Dr. Tanguma. She said “He took both my hands in both of his hands and tried to be consoling and reassuring.” Michelle claims Dr. Tanguma followed up with “sexual questions.” According to the news, Michelle had a urinary tract infection that needed to be treated. Instead, she faced sexual harassment that totally disregarded the purpose of her visit.
Initially, Michelle claimed that she wasn’t alarmed by her doctor’s actions. She thought his inappropriate questions were “medical questions.” By the time Michelle had her third visit with the accused doctor, Michelle said she updated Dr. Tanguma on her latest hospitalization. After Michelle spoke, she alleged that her doctor moved closer to her, grabbed her hands, and leaned in for a soft kiss on her lips. His actions left Michelle in a helpless state of mind.
The workplace misconduct did not stop there. Michelle said Dr. Tanguma complimented her by calling her “beautiful,” then later informed her that she allowed him to relive his high school days. Michelle had no clue what would occur next. She told the news that Dr. Tanguma, “stood up, unzipped his trousers, and pulled out his erect penis.” She said he asked her to touch it, and she rejected his sexual request, which caused Dr. Tanguma to depart from Michelle’s presence.
Michelle decided to report the sexual harassment to the hospital administration after Dr. Tanguma caused her to have another traumatizing experience.
Although Dr. Tanguma was allegedly terminated from the Graybill Medical Group, Michelle decided to file a sexual harassment lawsuit against the Graybill Medical Group and Dr. Tanguma. Michelle’s sexual harassment attorney stated that Dr. Tanguma is under investigation by the Medical Group.
In addition to facing Michelle’s sexual harassment lawsuit, another sexual harassment complaint was filed against Dr. Tanguma on behalf of a different female patient who endured similar sexual harassment. The patient asserts that she was “kissed and touched” without her consent.
These women suffered from sexual harassment by one person they trusted and believed they could count to monitor their health and provide solutions to health problems that develop with age. Michelle claims that Dr. Tanguma “failed to diagnose her diabetes,” and it’s time to revoke his “title.” A hearing has been scheduled for July to determine if Dr. Tanguma’s license will be removed.
The decision to transition this case into criminal case via the district attorney’s office has yet to be determined, according to a Graybill Medical Board representative.
Is Workplace Misconduct worth losing a Medical Title?
The simple answer is “No.” However individuals that violate the personal space of people in a work environment appear to be willing to take the risk. Following the code of conduct becomes difficult when people with power in any employment division feels entitled to have what they desire. It doesn’t matter if the perpetrator’s satisfaction comes at the victim’s expense. Sexual harassment will continue to happen until employees and/or non-employees affected by sexual harassment speak up.
Seek a Sexual Harassment Lawyer
There are federal and state laws that protect employees and others in the workplace from sexual harassment. If you have ever been a victim of sexual harassment at work in New York City, Miami, New Jersey, or Philadelphia, contact our sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC in New York City, Miami, New Jersey, or Philadelphia for legal guidance with your case. Our sexual harassment lawyers are knowledgeable and thoroughly skilled in employment law. For more information on workplace sexual harassment, read our employment law blog.
New York City, New Jersey and Philadelphia Employment Attorneys
If you feel you have been the victim of workplace sexual harassment in New York, New Jersey or Philadelphia or if your employment rights have been violated, then you should immediately contact the NYC, NJ, PA sexual harassment lawyers at the employment law firm of DEREK T. SMITH LAW GROUP, PLLC. No one deserves a hostile work environment.
Call today to schedule a FREE sexual harassment legal advice Consultation in NY, NJ & PA with one of our top rated sexual harassment attorneys here at the Derek Smith Law Group you can reach us online or by calling 877-469-5297. Our NYC employment law attorneys handle a variety of cases involving sexual harassment, racial discrimination, and other employment-related claims. We serve clients throughout New York, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We also have offices in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Miami to serve you.
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