The State Medical Board of Ohio recently made a significant decision regarding the medical license of Dr. Sherri Tenpenny. In light of her failure to cooperate with an investigation into her public comments about the COVID-19 vaccines, the board voted to suspend her medical license indefinitely. This move by the board speaks volumes about the seriousness of the situation and the need for responsible behavior from medical professionals.
One of the primary reasons for Dr. Tenpenny’s suspension was her refusal to cooperate with the board’s investigation. The investigation was initiated after the board received numerous complaints about her controversial statements on the COVID-19 vaccines. Despite multiple attempts by investigators to reach out to her, Dr. Tenpenny never engaged with them or provided any information.
The disciplinary document reveals that the investigators first tried to contact Dr. Tenpenny in person in July 2021. When that didn’t work, they followed up with an email, which also went unanswered. Interestingly, Dr. Tenpenny later claimed that she was unaware of these requests at the time. However, even after several more attempts by investigators to contact and question her, she continued to refuse cooperation. Eventually, her attorney informed the board that she would not be responding, asserting that her refusal to cooperate was not an admission of guilt.
The board’s disciplinary document states that Dr. Tenpenny consistently declined to participate in the investigation, despite the board’s repeated attempts to engage with her. The document also highlights her belief that the investigation was conducted in bad faith and constituted an assault on her licensure, livelihood, and constitutional rights. However, the board made it clear that licensees cannot simply refuse to cooperate with investigations solely because they disagree with the assumed motives behind them.
As a result of her failure to cooperate, Dr. Tenpenny faces severe consequences. In addition to the indefinite suspension of her medical license, she has been fined $3,000. In order to regain her license, Dr. Tenpenny must meet the board’s conditions for reinstatement, which include paying the fine and submitting an application for reinstatement.
Dr. Tenpenny’s case is not an isolated incident. Several other doctors have also faced disciplinary action for spreading misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines. This underscores the importance of responsible communication, especially in times of public health crises. Medical professionals bear a significant responsibility to provide accurate information and guide the public toward evidence-based decisions.
Dr. Sherri Tenpenny has been licensed to practice osteopathic medicine in Ohio since 1984. In 1994, she founded the Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center in Middleburg Heights. While she has previously made controversial statements about vaccines, her failure to cooperate with the board’s investigation displays a concerning disregard for the medical community’s standards and the public’s well-being.
The suspension of Dr. Sherri Tenpenny’s medical license serves as a reminder that medical professionals must uphold ethical standards and be accountable for their actions. Cooperation with investigations is not only a professional obligation but also a means to protect the integrity of the medical field. In times of crisis, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial for healthcare providers to prioritize accurate information and public health over personal beliefs.