Ortho Surgeon Sanctioned for Sex With Patients

Ian B. Lawson, M.D., a Tacoma, Washington orthopedic surgeon, has admitted to the Washington Medical Commission that he had sexual relationships with patients over 20 years ago.

Dr. Lawson is board certified in orthopedic surgery and has had an active Washington physician and surgeon license since 1997. He has voluntarily not practiced medicine since March 2019.

In 2019, Dr. Lawson allegedly self-reported to the Washington Medical Commission. According to a Washington Department of Health Statement of Allegations document, Dr. Lawson allegedly reported having “sexual relationships” with ten patients between 1998 and 2000. He also allegedly reported “an impulsivity disorder that negatively impacted patient relationships and boundaries.”

In connection with the allegations, Dr. Lawson voluntarily completed treatment related to “the impulsivity disorder that impacted patient boundaries.” The treatment purportedly included a 45-day inpatient treatment, a 10-week residential program, and ongoing weekly therapy and support meetings.

If proven, the self-reported allegations would amount to unprofessional conduct under Washington law. Under Revised Code of Washington 18.130.180, “unprofessional conduct” includes “abuse of a client or patient or sexual contact with a client or patient.” Per Washington Administrative Code 246-919-630 “sexual misconduct” includes engaging in “sexual intercourse or genital to genital contact” with a patient.

In order to resolve the matter, the parties entered into a Stipulation to Informal Disposition. Under the terms of the stipulation, Dr. Lawson must do the following: comply with his behavioral health and addiction service recommendations; complete an approved ethics and boundaries course; prepare a scholarly paper “on the subject of maintaining appropriate boundaries with patients”; and pay $3,000 related to the costs of investigating and processing the matter.

Dr. Lawson is also required to disclose his sexual misconduct to patients. The disclosure must include a copy of the stipulation. He also must obtain a signed acknowledgment from the patient that they are aware that he is “under sanction for unprofessional conduct involving sexual misconduct.”