Authorities have accused a Syracuse doctor of slapping his sleeping patients on their buttocks and insulting them before surgery.
According to Syracuse.com, a federal investigation alleges that Dr. Michael T. Clarke often slapped anesthetized patients on the buttocks and called them derogatory names before surgery.
The Associated Press reported that investigators learned that the surgeon sometimes hit patient’s so hard that he left red marks on them. The St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center where Clarke performed the surgeries before moving to another hospital, is facing sanctions that include possible termination from Medicare and Medicaid programs.
The doctor carried on his immature behavior for over a year and the hospital did not take any action until a staffer reported the allegations and a complaint was filed.
The Health Department identifies the 47-year-old as an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip replacement.
The investigation is expected to be completed within two weeks.
Clarke’s attorney would not comment on the investigation, but said that his client had denied any wrongdoing.