Medical professor drugged, assaulted woman

PHILADELPHIA – A noted medical school professor pleaded no contest to sexual assault and drug violations more than a year after a young woman testified that he had drugged her, then had sex with her against her will.

Tracy McIntosh, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania medical school and head of its Head Injury Center, made the plea Wednesday and was found guilty. Assistant District Attorney Gina Smith said he could get up to 5 1/2 to 11 years in prison when he is sentenced March 2.

McIntosh, 51, was accused of secretly giving the woman sodium pentobarbital during a social encounter on Sept. 6, 2002.

Medical school spokeswoman Rebecca Harmon said Thursday that “based on recent developments, the dean has requested Dr. McIntosh’s immediate resignation.” McIntosh had taken a leave of absence last year.

McIntosh’s attorney did not immediately return a phone call.