Newly hired doctor at Lewis County Health System working on probation after accusations of professional misconduct

LOWVILLE- The feedback regarding a newly hired doctor at Lewis County Health System, who is working while on probation after accusations of professional misconduct, has been positive, so far.

That’s according to CEO Gerry Cayer, who spoke recently with WWNY-TV.

Dr. George Akl, a certified obstetrician/gynecologist, was hired by LCHS to help get its maternity unit re-opened this coming March.

However, before arriving to Lowville Hospital, Dr. Akl reportedly had his privileges suspended from where he worked at Rome Health, following an incident involving medical care administered to two female patients between October, 2018 and July, 2021.

According to state records, the professional misconduct in question revolves around failing to adhere to professional boundaries.

According to reports, Dr. Akl has agreed not to contest the charge, but is also suing Rome Health, according to his attorney Anthony LaFanche.

Per the state probation agreement, which is aimed to last for three-years, Dr. Akl is required to have a chaperone present while examining female patients for as long as he practices in New York, to which Cayer says is a normal practice.

“I cannot think of a time in my career, where there have not been chaperones for female patients of both male physicians and female physicians. So it is a standard of practice,” Cayer told reporters.

There are other aspects included within court documents, but overall, Cayer says pretty much everyone within the Lewis County Health System is aware of the back story.

"As I’ve shared with Dr. Akl, it’ll be the test of time, and I would say I’m cautiously optimistic. But when somebody is repenting if you will, it does take time to re-establish and have trust,” Cayer said.

LCHS image.