Bellingham, Wash. Doctor Charged With Using Outdated Flu Vaccine Faces New Charges, Including Alleged Sexual Contact With Patient and Negligent Care
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The Medical Quality Assurance Commission and the state Department of Health have added new charges against a Bellingham physician accused of using expired flu vaccine last fall. The amended statement of charges against Gary McCallum, MD, lists alleged sexual contact with a patient, providing negligent care to patients, poor record-keeping, aiding and abetting unlicensed practice in his office, providing false information during the investigation, and theft.
In the original statement of charges issued last November, the commission charged McCallum with injecting expired flu vaccine into more than 50 patients. McCallum responded to those charges and now has 20 days to respond to the amended statement of charges and to request an opportunity for settlement or hearing.
The Medical Quality Assurance Commission regulates physicians and physician assistants in Washington. The program establishes, monitors, and enforces qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms and discipline. Rules, policies and procedures promote the delivery of quality healthcare to state residents.
Source: Washington State Department of Health
Ensuring Safety and Comfort: The Urgent Need for Well-Fitted PPE in Health Care
April 5th 2024Personal protective equipment (PPE) stands as the first line of defense against infectious diseases in health care. Yet, the issue of ill-fitting PPE, especially for women, remains a significant challenge.
COVID-19 Harmonization: Balancing Risks and Benefits of CDC's Latest Move
March 11th 2024The CDC's recent decision to align recommendations for respiratory viruses, particularly COVID-19, has garnered support from the public and infectious disease societies. However, as the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) lends its backing to the CDC's harmonization efforts, concerns persist regarding the implications of this shift, especially considering the Omicron variant's unique characteristics and the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19's multi-system impacts.
Voices of Resilience: Q&A With the Editor of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter"
March 1st 2024Step into the diverse and poignant world of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter" with editor Lorraine Ash, MA. In this insightful Q&A, learn about the origins of this remarkable anthology, the challenges faced in capturing raw, unfiltered narratives of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lasting impact of these stories on readers and communities alike.
Rare Disease Day 2024: Spotlight on Rare Infectious Diseases
February 29th 2024Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.
