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USC Gynecologist Accused Of Abuse Loses License To Practice
USC has been in turmoil over its response to accusations of sexual harassment and abuse, including by Dr. George Tyndall, a gynecologist who saw student patients at the USC Engemann Student Health Center (pictured in this file photo). Some at USC say a new report from the School of Social Work offers a path toward reforming sexual harassment policies at the university. (Photo by Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)
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This story has been updated.
The California Medical Board has stripped former University of Southern California gynecologist George Tyndall of his ability to practice medicine in the state.
On its website, the California Medical Board says the suspension is on an interim basis and took place on Monday of this week.
Tyndall faces criminal investigation after hundreds of women came forward after the Los Angeles Times reported that Tyndall carried out improper pelvic examinations, took unnecessary photos of women during exams, and made sexually suggestive statements to women during their exams.
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On Wednesday the LA County District Attorney said the LAPD had sent the DA 38 cases against Tyndall in the last two months as a result of a police investigation. The DA's sex crimes division is reviewing the cases to determine if criminal charges should be filed.
The Medical Board would not reveal details about the investigation against Tyndall, but spokeswoman Susan Wolbarst said an interim suspension is typically ordered "in the interest of public safety and when the person poses a risk to the public."
Wolbarst said an administrative hearing into allegations against Tyndall was scheduled for Friday, but was postponed. She did not say when the hearing would be rescheduled.
Tyndall's lawyers, Leonard Levine and Peter Osinoff, did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
According to news reports, Tyndall's patients had reported his improper actions for decades and the university had not taken action to discipline him or remove him from his job. The fallout from so many accusers telling their story of abuse led to the resignation of USC President Max Nikias this summer.
(RELATED: 5 Things USC's New President Could Do To Stop Sexual Harassment)
Lawyer Gloria Allred has helped dozens of former Tyndall patients sue Tyndall and the university for the alleged abuse. Her office announced a press conference on Wednesday morning. In the announcement, she said her clients had a role in Tyndall's suspension.
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At the press conference Allred said her office had given the attorney general's office testimony of three women alleging abuse by Tyndall. The testimony was in preparation for a hearing about the interim suspension on Friday. That hearing was cancelled and Tyndall agreed to the suspension.
"[The suspension] means that the public is protected from him and that women are no longer at risk of harm from him," Allred said at the press conference.
"George Tyndall, I hope no one ever refers to you or thinks of you as a doctor again," said Daniella Mohazab at the press conference "you put shame on our institution and now your actions will continue to shame you."
Tyndall had worked as a gynecologist at USC for nearly three decades. According to the medical board, Tyndall has been licensed to practice medicine since 1986.
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