Key Takeaways
- Dr. Thomas C. Weiner, an oncologist, has had his medical license revoked by the Montana Board of Medical Examiners due to seven cases of malpractice.
- Weiner was accused of providing substandard care, including subjecting patients without cancer to chemotherapy and other dangerous treatments, and neglecting to properly treat patients who were seriously ill.
- The medical board’s decision comes after a 2024 ProPublica investigation exposed Weiner’s suspected misconduct, including the death of a patient who was subjected to unnecessary chemotherapy.
- Weiner has denied any wrongdoing and has filed lawsuits against his former hospital and colleagues who reported his suspected misconduct.
- The revocation of Weiner’s license will make it extremely difficult for him to practice medicine in the future.
Introduction to the Case
Dr. Thomas C. Weiner, a 62-year-old oncologist, will no longer be able to practice medicine in the state of Montana. The Montana Board of Medical Examiners has revoked his license, citing seven cases of malpractice, including the death of a patient who was subjected to unnecessary chemotherapy. This decision comes after a lengthy investigation and a series of allegations that Weiner provided substandard care to his patients. The medical board’s conclusion that Weiner violated rules of professional conduct and provided substandard care is a significant blow to the doctor’s career and reputation.
Background on the Investigation
The investigation into Weiner’s conduct began after a ProPublica report in 2024 exposed his suspected misconduct. The report, which was based on court and medical records, showed that Weiner had subjected patients who did not have cancer to chemotherapy and other dangerous treatments. The report also alleged that Weiner had neglected to properly treat patients who were seriously ill and had overprescribed addictive narcotics. The ProPublica investigation identified scores of problematic cases, but the medical board focused on just seven of them. Among the cases was that of Scot Warwick, a patient who died in 2020 after being subjected to years of unnecessary chemotherapy.
The Case of Scot Warwick
The case of Scot Warwick was a pivotal one in the investigation into Weiner’s conduct. Warwick was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in 2009, but an autopsy after his death in 2020 found no evidence of cancer. Instead, the autopsy concluded that Warwick had likely died from the chemotherapy that Weiner had ordered. The medical board confirmed the autopsy’s findings, concluding that Warwick died "due to gemcitabine-associated pulmonary toxicity." Weiner has repeatedly dismissed the findings, but the medical board’s conclusion is a significant blow to his reputation.
Consequences for Dr. Weiner
The revocation of Weiner’s license is just one of the consequences he faces. He is also being sued by the U.S. Department of Justice, which accuses him of prescribing needless treatments, double billing, and "upcoding" – billing for more expensive treatments than he delivered. Weiner has denied the charges, but the lawsuit is ongoing. Additionally, the parents of a deceased 16-year-old girl have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Weiner, the hospital, and other staff, accusing them of substandard care and fraud. A criminal investigation is also underway, led by the Montana Department of Justice with help from federal investigators.
Reaction from the Community
The reaction from the community has been mixed. Many of Weiner’s former patients and colleagues have come to his defense, praising his skills as a doctor and questioning the motives of the hospital and the media. However, others have expressed relief and gratitude that the medical board has taken action to revoke Weiner’s license. Anthony Olson, a former patient who was prescribed nine years of chemotherapy for a cancer that never existed, is among those who are grateful that the medical board has taken action. He has thought about joining the Weiner Facebook group to share his story, but he is unsure if it will make a difference.
Conclusion
The revocation of Dr. Thomas C. Weiner’s medical license is a significant blow to his career and reputation. The medical board’s conclusion that Weiner provided substandard care and violated rules of professional conduct is a serious allegation that will have far-reaching consequences. While Weiner has denied any wrongdoing, the evidence against him is compelling, and the medical board’s decision is a necessary step to protect patients from harm. The case of Dr. Thomas C. Weiner serves as a reminder of the importance of holding medical professionals accountable for their actions and ensuring that patients receive the highest quality care possible.