An Arkansas physician has been banned from practicing medicine for five years after being caught on security cameras walking naked through his clinic during working hours and engaging in a sexual act in front of three female staff members.
The Arkansas State Medical Board confirmed that Dr David Diffine had his licence revoked following a year-long investigation into allegations of repeated sexual misconduct in the workplace.
The decision follows an earlier suspension issued when the board first became aware of the footage and witness statements detailing the doctor’s behaviour, KAIT reported.
Board records show that the incidents took place during business hours at Diffine’s clinic, where he was seen entering patient rooms unclothed before walking to the reception area. Witnesses told investigators he performed a sexual act in front of three women working there — one of whom was also a patient — and allegedly ejaculated on her.
The board’s disciplinary order cited concerns that Diffine’s actions reflected “a sexual compulsive disorder or paraphilia” that could impact patient care. In testimony, Dr Bradley Diner of the Arkansas Medical Foundation recommended a formal professional evaluation to assess whether Diffine was fit to return to medical practice in the future.
An anonymous whistleblower who first alerted authorities accused Diffine of using “his position of power, sexual grooming, and salary increases” to coerce both employees and patients into sexual acts.
Investigators said Diffine described himself as a “naturist” and argued during interviews that he did not believe the human body should be “shamed, sexualised, or stigmatised.” However, he denied any knowledge of the security video, telling officials: “I don’t know anything about that at all. I would have to see those things to have any idea what you’re talking about.”
The disciplinary panel concluded that his behaviour “crossed professional boundaries” and constituted a serious breach of the Medical Practices Act. The revocation means Diffine will be unable to practise medicine in Arkansas until at least 2029, after which he would have to reapply and undergo further assessment.
The case has reignited discussions about workplace safety and the vulnerability of employees in professional settings, particularly in environments where there is a power imbalance between staff and senior figures.
Advocates say that incidents of harassment and abuse often go unreported due to fear of retaliation. In New York, a real estate executive was recently sued for allegedly groping a male employee and forcing himself on the man — claims the victim says led to his dismissal after reporting the assault.
Similarly, an NYPD detective alleged she was sexually harassed and abused for over a year by a senior officer, but says she was labelled a “rat” and later dismissed after speaking out.
Workplace rights groups have called for stronger protections for whistleblowers and victims of harassment, arguing that without reform, cases like Diffine’s will continue to emerge.
Editing by M10News US Desk | Contact: usdesk@m10news.com
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