To the editor:
I read about Houlton Regional Hospital’s plans to negotiate with Dr. Ian Reight. This raises serious concerns for the women of Southern Aroostook County and patients who depend on the hospital for safe, professional medical care.
The Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine determined that Dr. Reight acted unethically when he made an inappropriate sexual comment in front of a nurse who had also been his patient. The initial complaint included 15 counts involving allegations of bullying, sexual harassment, demeaning behavior and patient safety concerns.
During the licensing proceedings, a social worker testified that she saw Dr. Reight crawl across the floor toward a nurse until he was inches from her groin and say, “I can hold my breath for 40 seconds.” Dr. Reight denied crawling on the floor but acknowledged making the comment. The board characterized his behavior as “aberrant.” He also acknowledged making a degrading remark about a female physician, saying, “She has had more stuff stuck in her than a porcupine has sticking out.”
These cannot simply be dismissed as unfortunate word choices. They were part of a record that resulted in disciplinary proceedings by the state medical licensing board.
Dr. Reight has said that therapy and professional mentorship have helped him develop greater empathy and a deeper understanding of women’s perspectives. People can change, and personal growth is possible. But when someone seeks to return to a position involving significant responsibility and patient trust, an institution must carefully consider whether it has adequately addressed documented concerns.
Surgical patients are vulnerable. They place their health and safety in the hands of medical professionals. Female patients should not have to question whether a physician with this documented history will treat them with appropriate respect.
Houlton Regional Hospital’s responsibility extends beyond whether a physician can perform a procedure. It must also consider whether patients can feel safe and confident in his care.
Hospital officials must reconsider any agreement that would return Dr. Reight to a position involving authority over or direct access to patients and medical staff. The people of Southern Aroostook County deserve to know that patient safety and trust come first. Patients will go elsewhere if this is the caliber of physicians the hospital deems fit to care for the people.
Jen Lynds
Houlton
