Dr. Derrick Todd: How Patients Can Seek Help

In October, 2023, Dr. Derrick Todd’s abuse allegations started to make headlines after many of his former patients filed lawsuits against him pertaining to allegations of performing unnecessary medical exams during his work as a rheumatologist at various Boston Medical Institutions. As of today, Dr. Derrick Todd is facing civil complaints alleging sexual abuse for more than 200 former patients spanning over 14 years. Their cases have now been united under a master complaints in Suffolk Superior Courts. The plaintiff patients, both men, women, and non-binary individuals of adults and minor ages accused Todd of conducting unnecessary and invasive medical exams under the guise of medical care, including pelvic exams, pelvic floor therapy, breast testicular, and rectal examinations as well. The lawsuits also name over three dozen co-defendants, including Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates, both places where Todd previously worked, as well as related organizations and numerous physicians and other employees connected to Todd and his workplaces.

The co-defendants are named as a suit alleges. These individuals and institutions had actual and or constructive knowledge and therefore knew or should have known about Todd’s alleged behavior and yet failed to protect patients and prevent future harm. The suit further states, reports of his alleged abuse of patients had surfaced as far back as 2010, yet he was able to continue practicing medicine until July 31st, 2023 when he resigned. These lawsuits seek justice for the survivors and aim to hold him and his previous employers accountable for their roles in enabling or failing to prevent future abuse. As for criminal legal proceedings against Dr. Derrick Todd investigations are reportedly underway in Massachusetts in both Middlesex and Suffolk counties. Although the results of those investigations have yet to be made public. Many patients who experienced doctor’s sexual abuse do not realize it in the moment, citing reasons from an inherent trust in medical professionals to not realizing that it was an unnecessary procedure or that it was performed improperly, such as not using gloves. If you were a patient of Dr. Todd, there are resources and support available to enable you to label what happens, ask questions, and understand your legal rights and options, including reporting to law enforcement, reporting to the medical board, and filing a civil lawsuit alongside the over 200 patients who have already come forward. Helping Survivors can connect you to a law firm experienced in doctor sexual abuse cases to help answer your questions and get you one step further on the path to healing from this experience.