Manhattan Doctor Is Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing Patients

Sunil Gurung

COR 230

Assignment 1

In the New York Times article “Manhattan Doctor Is Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing Patients” by Rick Rojas, Rojas writes about Doctor H. Newman sexually abusing his patients while at his job. Rojas mentioned in the article, “A year ago, the woman, Aja Newman, went to the emergency room at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, complaining of shoulder pain... There, the doctor, David H. Newman, used medication to sedate her, but even so… she could tell that she had been violated.” What Doctor Newman did was wrong and inappropriate, as I believe that he violated the code of conduct of his profession. Dr. Newman intentionally added even more misery by using his role as a doctor to drug the patients and sexually assault them without their consent. It is also stated, “He pleaded guilty last month to one count of first-degree sexual abuse and four counts of third-degree sexual abuse. Prosecutors said that Dr. Newman had targeted young minority women between ages 18 and 29, and that in each of the four cases, he had touched the women’s breasts for no medical reason.” My critique about this would be that Dr. Newman has completely abused his power for his own satisfaction. In the end, he got what he deserved, which was getting sentenced to two years in prison, three years of post-release supervision, and having to register as a sex offender.

Further in the article, Rojas added, “Dr. Newman masturbated at her bedside and ejaculated on her face… Investigators were able to match DNA evidence from the woman’s eye and cheek to the doctor.” Firstly, there are numerous women who came forward and identified Dr. Newman. Secondly, there is DNA proof of him on Ms. Newman’s face. As a result, we can conclude that there is substantial evidence linking him to the crime. This is a shocking case, especially since it involves a high-profile doctor, but it is clear that he has failed in every aspect of his occupation by his utter lack of regard for his patients who have come to seek his medical advice. Instead, what he has given them is a lifetime of emotional pain and fear of doctors, the very people who are suppose to save our lives in times of need.

Additionally, Ms. Newman addressed the emotional trauma she suffered from incident and revealed, “I want to get away from the disgust I feel whenever I think about you assaulting me…the feeling of being worthless, the embarrassment.” In fact, she also felt that Dr. Newman did not show any genuine remorse of what he did and only apologized because he was caught. The role of a doctor is one of utmost importance because patients have faith in them with their expertise. A doctor’s visit is an intimate experience and puts the patients at a vulnerable position where they allow the doctors to treat their bodies. It is unfortunate that Dr. Newman broke that trust and did not even manage to prove to Ms. Newman of his repentance.