The licence of Dr Simone Gold, founder of the controversial America’s Frontline Doctors, is at stake after the Medical Board of California (MBC) filed an “unprofessional conduct” accusation against her in connection with her guilty plea on charges related to her participation in last year’s Donald Trump-related insurrection in the US Capitol and her subsequent prison term.
The MBC’s accusation lists two causes for discipline: “conviction of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a physician and surgeon, and general unprofessional conduct”, and the suspension or revoking of her licence hinges on the decision.
Unprofessional conduct “breaches the rules or ethical code of the medical profession or conduct which is unbecoming a member in good standing of the medical profession, and demonstrates an unfitness to practice medicine”, reports Medpage Today.
The MBC document states that Gold was “giving public speeches on Covid-19-related lockdowns, vaccinations and the use of Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine as potential treatments”.
Additionally, on 6 January last year, during the insurrection, she “entered the …Capitol building with her security guard knowing she did not have lawful authority to enter”.
After Gold pleaded guilty to entering and remaining in a restricted building, she was sentenced to 60 days in prison followed by 12 months of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $10 025.
During her prison term, her licence to practice medicine in California was placed on inactive status, and then returned to active status after her release.
Gold had been an emergency room physician in Los Angeles area, but she moved to Florida about two years ago. She applied for and received a licence to practise in that state last July.
The Florida Department of Health reported her licence status this week as “clear/active”. with no disciplinary actions on file.
In a turnaround, last year, leaders of America’s Frontline Doctors filed a lawsuit accusing Gold of misusing the organisation’s funds to buy a $3.6m home in Florida and three cars, including a Mercedes Benz, for personal use.
The MBS also wants Gold to repay the costs of investigating and enforcing this case, as well as any potential costs incurred if she is placed on probation.
Gold has promoted both Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of Covid, neither of which was found effective for the virus.
Medpage Today article – Simone Gold Accused by California Medical Board (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
US anti-vax doctor starts prison sentence for Capital Riots break-in
US anti-vax group sues founder in control battle
Doctors face penalties for ‘COVID lies’ under new California Bill