A shocking betrayal of trust as a VA doctor is found guilty of sexually assaulting a female veteran under his care.
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DECATUR, GA
– The sacred bond of trust between a patient and their physician was shattered when Rajesh Motibhai Patel, a 69-year-old primary care doctor at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Decatur, Georgia, was found guilty by a federal jury of sexually assaulting a female veteran under his care. This disturbing breach of ethics has left a lasting impact on those who sought treatment at the facility, shattering the foundational principle that healthcare providers are duty-bound to do no harm.
Details of the Case
According to information presented at the eight-day trial, Patel was charged with sexually assaulting four female patients by groping their breasts and improperly touching their genital areas during routine exams between 2019 and 2020.
While the jury acquitted Patel of charges related to three of the patients, he was convicted of violating the constitutional right to bodily integrity of the fourth victim while acting under color of law and engaging in unwanted sexual contact.
Reaction and Consequences
“Dr. Patel violated the cardinal rule of a physician to do no harm to patients under his care,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan in a statement. “Veterans who consulted him for treatment, like the victim in this case, trusted Dr. Patel and he violated that trust. His conviction hopefully provides a measure of healing for those impacted by his crimes.”
Michael J. Missal, Inspector General for the Department of Veterans Affairs, echoed this sentiment, stating, “VA employees are entrusted with keeping our nation’s veterans safe while receiving care. Acts of violence against veterans in VA facilities are reprehensible and shatters that trust. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold anyone who would commit these crimes accountable.”
Patel is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2025.
Broader Implications
The conviction of Rajesh Motibhai Patel underscores the critical need for robust oversight and accountability measures to protect vulnerable patients, particularly those seeking care within the VA healthcare system. The trauma experienced by the survivor and the erosion of trust in the medical profession will linger long after Patel’s sentencing.
It is incumbent upon the VA and its leadership to ensure that such egregious breaches of ethics never occur again, and to prioritize the safety and well-being of the brave men and women who have served our country.
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