Doctor Working Under Numerous Aliases
February 14, 2018
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Prince George’s Hospital Center after they failed to conduct a thorough background check on one of their physicians. Dr. Charles Akoda, whose real name is Oluwafemi Igberase, had been working at the hospital delivering babies and performing surgeries without obtaining a license to practice medicine. While it is not known how many victims were treated by Akoda, nearly 300 people have come forward.
According to the lawsuit, if hospital officials had done their due diligence prior to hiring Akoda, they would have discovered that he had used three false permanent record cards. He also plead guilty to misusing a Social Security number and fraudulently obtaining a Maryland medical license. He used this fake information to get accepted and graduate from Howard University. In 2016, the FBI uncovered several additional fraudulent documents, including a fake social security card, fake immigration documents, medical diplomas, transcripts, recommendation letters, and birth certificates.
Violation of Patient Trust
One patient reported that after Akoda delivered her son, she felt traumatized by the experience. What should have been a joyful, happy moment ended up being a nightmare for the new mother. During the delivery process, the patient experienced a great deal of pain, causing her to scream, cry, and ultimately beg for another doctor, but her request was not granted. After putting her life, and her son’s life in Akoda’s hands, she felt that her trust was violated.
In 2012, after applying for Medicare, Akoda’s application was denied due to an inaccurate Social Security number. Yet, he continued his job for another four years. According to officials from Prince George’s Hospital Center, they conducted background checks on Akoda and all his information had been verified by a third party. In 2016, the Maryland Board of Physicians revoked Akoda’s license and he pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud. After spending only six months in jail, he was released. Both Akoda and the hospital have yet to respond to the lawsuit.
Hospitals have a responsibility to ensure that their physicians have the appropriate credentials, including a valid medical license, social security number and medical diplomas to legally practice medicine. Rigorous background checks should be conducted to ensure that only the most qualified and respected medical professionals are on staff. Failure to do so jeopardizes the health and safety of the patients.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Victims of Medical Negligence
If your health has been compromised while under the care of a physician who does not have the proper qualifications to practice medicine in the state of Maryland, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. It is a serious offense to practice medicine without the appropriate legal documentation. Our skilled and experienced team will conduct a thorough investigation into your case and hold the appropriate parties liable for any negligent behavior. We will not stop fighting for you until we have secured the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Prince George’s County, Queen Mary’s County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
