Doctor suspended for
alleged sex assault

He cannot practice for two years,
and must complete a behavioral
treatment program and pay a fine

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
Star-Bulletin

The state Board of Medical Examiners has suspended a dermatologist's license for two years after he allegedly molested a 19-year-old female patient in his office.

On May 11, based on findings by a hearings officer of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the board determined Dr. Milton J. Ackerman engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with the woman three years ago.

Along with Ackerman's suspension of license, the board ordered the physician to complete a behavioral treatment program and pay a $2,000 fine.

Ackerman's attorney, John Edmunds, said the case is on appeal to Circuit Court. In a November hearing, the doctor said there was nothing wrong with his actions.

In December 1994, Ackerman first treated his patient for facial acne when she was 15, according to board records, and the patient returned when her acne worsened.

In August and September 1998, Ackerman massaged the patient's shoulder and offered to give her a massage, records say, and she agreed to the massage at his office on Oct. 3, 1998.

The patient arrived with her 9-year-old brother and was surprised Ackerman was alone in the office, records say, and she said she felt strange but thought the massage would be a back rub with her clothes on.

According to records, Ackerman showed her to the examination room and gave her a medical robe to put on. The dermatologist began massaging her shoulders. He unclasped her bra and untied her robe.

Ackerman allegedly massaged her breasts under her bra. The defendant was shocked and said she did not know how to react.

According to the hearings officer's findings, Ackerman thought a relationship was developing between him and the patient when they would converse for a couple of minutes during visits.

Dr. Gene Abel of the Behavioral Medicine Institute of Atlanta reviewed the patient's testimony and contended Ackerman used his position of power to manipulate his patient to his benefit.