15 Women File Lawsuit Against Doctor for Alleged Sexual Abuse

In a disturbing development, fifteen women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault against Dr. John C. Hoefs, a 79-year-old hepatologist who practiced at UCI Medical Center and a Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian-affiliated clinic in California. The lawsuit, filed on August 26, 2024, in Orange County Superior Court, details a pattern of alleged abuse spanning nearly two decades.

5 Key Points

  • 15 female patients allege sexual assault by Dr. John C. Hoefs
  • The abuse allegedly occurred at UCI Medical Center and Hoag-affiliated Liver Specialty Center
  • Dr. Hoefs faces 20 counts of felony sexual battery
  • Lawsuit filed against Dr. Hoefs, Hoag, Liver Specialty Center, and UC Regents
  • Allegations date back to 2006, continuing until Dr. Hoefs’ arrest in May 2024

Pattern of Alleged Abuse and Institutional Negligence

The lawsuit paints a troubling picture of systematic abuse, with Dr. Hoefs allegedly using his position of trust to sexually assault patients under the guise of medical treatment. The complaints describe a consistent pattern of behavior, including forced breast exposure and inappropriate touching during examinations.

The alleged institutional negligence is one of the most alarming aspects of the case. The lawsuit claims that Hoag received numerous complaints about Dr. Hoefs as early as 2017 but failed to take corrective action. Instead, the suit alleges, Hoag continued to allow Dr. Hoefs access to vulnerable patients. Similarly, UCI Health is accused of concealing Dr. Hoefs’ employment and allowing him unfettered access to female patients for nearly 20 years.

Victims Speak Out: Breaking the Silence

One plaintiff reported Dr. Hoefs to the Medical Board of California in 2017 and shared her experience during a press conference. She described the doctor’s conduct as “unlike any I’ve ever experienced” and expressed frustration that her initial report resulted in no action. This lack of response left her wondering if she was alone in her concerns.

Other plaintiffs have come forward with equally disturbing accounts. One woman alleges that Dr. Hoefs “smirked and laughed” while exposing and fondling her breasts. Another claims he manipulated her breasts with ungloved fingers under the pretense of “feeling for her liver.” Perhaps most disturbingly, one plaintiff alleges that Dr. Hoefs drew attention to his erect penis during an examination.

Institutional Responses and Legal Implications

In response to the allegations, Hoag has stated that Dr. Hoefs was never an employee but rather leased office space in a Hoag-owned building. Upon learning of his arrest, Hoag suspended his hospital privileges and access to the leased space. The institution expressed dismay at the allegations and stated its cooperation with ongoing criminal proceedings.

UCI Health and Dr. Hoefs have yet to respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

The Medical Board of California issued an interim suspension order in May 2024, prohibiting Dr. Hoefs from contacting former, current, or prospective patients. This order includes both virtual and face-to-face interactions.

The Road Ahead: Seeking Justice and Prevention

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case raises critical questions about patient safety, institutional responsibility, and the mechanisms in place to protect vulnerable individuals seeking medical care. The lawsuit seeks to hold Dr. Hoefs accountable and the institutions that allegedly enabled his behavior.

Morgan A. Stewart, an attorney for the plaintiffs, emphasized the breach of trust at the heart of the case: “We contend and believe that the medical facilities with which Dr. Hoefs was affiliated knew that he was a risk to patients, yet continued to send him patients because he was good for business.”