Doctor To Face Trial On Molestation Charge; Another Loses License

A doctor accused of molesting three patients nearly three years ago has been cleared to stand trial, and another physician has lost his license after being accused of sexual misconduct.

In Kennewick, Benton County Superior Court Judge Philip Raekes ruled Friday that Dr. John G. Dockum, 44, was competent to stand trial on charges of taking indecent liberties by fondling three female patients between 1991 and 1994. Trial was set for Jan. 12.

Dockum’s license to practice obstetrics was suspended when criminal charges were filed in December 1994, but a trial was postponed because he was experiencing memory loss and confusion from a liver disease.

Dockum underwent a liver transplant in May 1996, and a competency hearing was postponed while he recovered. Last month, his surgeon said the disease and symptoms had abated enough for Dockum to stand trial.

Meanwhile, in Olympia, the license of Dr. Bang D. Nguyen of Seattle was revoked Friday by the state Medical Quality Assurance Commission because of accusations of probation violation and sexual misconduct. He was given 20 days to respond.

Nguyen’s license was suspended in 1989 after the commission found his practice was riddled with lack of proper sterilization, use of drugs unrelated to diagnoses, poor record-keeping and incorrect follow-up.

The suspension was stayed on condition that he improve his practice and submit to supervision by another doctor.

Accusations of sexual misconduct were filed last year, and additional accusations were filed when the doctors monitoring Nguyen’s practice reported continuing errors in treatment, follow-up, referral and record-keeping, the commission said.