A California man faces five felony counts for impersonating a licensed doctor while providing thousands of people with unproven treatments (including one he claimed could cure cancer) over the years. facing.
of news release This week, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced an indictment against Stephan Gevorkian, who had operated a business called “Pathways Medical” on Toluca Lake near North Hollywood since 2017.
Gevorkian is said to have posed as a doctor, even though he apparently did not. any kind of medical license In California, not even a naturopathic doctor. Many patient testimonials on company websites and Google reviews seem to refer to Gevorkian as “Dr. G.”
“Practicing medicine without a license is not only a criminal offense in California, but it can cause irreparable damage to the health of defenseless people. I believe he is being treated by doctors,” Gascon said in a news release. release.
However, “Dr. G” did not provide standard, evidence-based care in what was allegedly a bogus title. Pathways offers a short list of unproven, goop-esque wellness fads, mostly IV vitamin therapy, ozone therapy, electroacupuncture (which involves applying low-voltage electrical currents to tissue), as well as was. And Gevorkian made bold medical claims about them all.
bold statement
Pathway website is currently blocked with a “under construction” message.However, an Internet Archive capture of March 8, 2023 shows several vitamin drip therapy With claims such as “alternative cancer therapy”, “ameliorate depression”, “prevent viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections”, “treat anemia”, and “help addiction recovery”. It is provided.
of electric acuscope therapy It is said to regenerate damaged tissue and treat “chronic and acute neuromusculoskeletal disorders.”of ozone therapyOn the other hand, in addition to “gynecological problems such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and vaginitis,” it can slow down aging, reduce wrinkles, and turn fat into muscle.
Gevorkian said on the site’s home page, “Our medical professionals ignore the simple but effective benefits of IV vitamin therapy despite patients taking over-prescribed pills and medications. I realized that there is a gap in the field of modern medicine that is being used.” It is unknown who the medical expert is. The website does not appear to list any staff or medical advisors.upon business filing Along with State, Gevorkian is listed as CEO, CFO, director and secretary on Pathway’s executive committee.
Part of the sales pitch includes noting that intravenously delivered vitamins offer “100% absorption,” but only 10% of the supplement is absorbed via standard routes. Nevertheless, if you’re still interested in non-IV vitamins, Pathways also sells their own selection. branded vitamins and supplements pills.
The site claims that these miraculous-sounding vitamin remedies have “attracted customers from all walks of life, including high-profile celebrities and executives.” I consulted with According to the district attorney’s news release:
The business performs patient blood tests, advises on treatment, and provides treatment for serious conditions such as cancer and viral infections. During the consultation, Gevorkian allegedly failed to accurately address abnormal levels of hormones that could indicate a serious medical condition.
of Statement to the Los Angeles TimesGevorkian’s attorney, Justin E. Sterling, denied the allegations, saying Gevorkian “looks forward to vigorously defending himself.”
Stirling’s statement included, “It is important to recognize that what is thought to be known or understood early on is not necessarily what is ultimately so.” Any suggestion that Mr Gevorkian impersonated a doctor in order to treat a patient is plainly false.”
It is unclear exactly what Gevorkian’s defenses are. The LA Times noted that Sterling did not respond to additional questions about defense, and an Internet search of Gevorkian’s background did not immediately find anything substantiating his medical background. Articles published in wedding magazines It seems that Gevorkian married a professional Latin ballroom dancer in Hollywood in 2012. The article states that he is a “doctor who specializes in trauma surgery.”
Gevorkian’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 24.
