DENVER – The Colorado Medical Board has suspended the license of a doctor accused of performing an inappropriate examination on a teen.
The board said Dr. Michael J. Brazelton “performed an unnecessary and ungloved physical examination” of a teenage patient’s genital and anal areas when the patient presented symptoms of a cold. Prior disciplinary history also was considered, the public document stated.
Brazelton’s license to practice medicine in Colorado was stripped effective Dec. 20. That order will remain in effect until proceedings for suspension or revocation are resolved.
A criminal investigation began in May, according to Mark Techmeyer, spokesman for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
The victim's mother contacted the sheriff's office, according to Techmeyer. The victim took part in a forensic investigation. The victim's mother, Brazelton and other witnesses were also interviewed.
According to Techmeyer, the case is listed as "open/pending" because investigators did not feel they had enough proof to recommend charges to the district attorney's office. Techmeyer said if other patients believe they are victims, they should contact authorities.
Techmeyer said the suspension of Brazelton's license does not create a new development in the case.
Denver7 asked legal analyst David Beller, why a doctor could have his license suspended over a complaint that was investigated by law enforcement, but never resulted in charges.
"An administrative action, which this is, the standard is that it has to be proved by a preponderance of the evidence, which means more likely than not," said Beller. "In the administrative arena, it really comes down to 'what was the professionalism of the doctor?' And the medical board determined that he was just not professional enough to be safe with patients. That's a far cry, and it's quite a bit different than, whether or not he's criminally responsible for certain conduct."
According to his suspension letter, Brazelton's previous disciplinary history also was considered when his license was suspended. In 2006, he was admonished after he "was discovered to have been browsing pornographic internet sites on company computers while on duty." No evidence showed that any was child pornography.
Brazelton is the first doctor listed under "Meet The Doctors" on the Healthy Habits Pediatrics website, which is located in unincorporated Jefferson County, west of Columbine High School.
His biography states:
"What sets Dr. Mike apart from other Pediatricians is his easy going demeanor, combination of evidence based medicine and healthy lifestyle promotion all blended with an open minded/complementary approach. He is passionate about bringing the message that good nutrition is the basis for good health and is a sought after speaker in the community regarding nutritional awareness for kids."
His biography also states that he completed his residency at the University of Colorado at Denver. It also says he was an "Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Colorado/The University of Colorado, where he was selected 'Outstanding Clinical Teacher.'"
It also states that he has worked at homeless shelters in Denver and has completed medical mission trips to Asia, Central and South America.
He had a biography on the website for Children's Hospital Colorado, but that link is no longer active. His hospital privileges have been suspended.
"Dr. Michael Brazelton is not employed by Children’s Hospital Colorado nor does he see patients at Children’s Colorado. Dr. Brazelton held clinical privileges at Children’s Colorado and those privileges are currently suspended," Children's Hospital Colorado said in a statement.
A biography on the CU School of Medicine website was also removed.
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