BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. (KAIT) – In a shocking development, the Arkansas State Medical Board suspended the medical license of Dr. David Diffine, a physician operating in Northeast Arkansas, back in July. A recently released video reveals the disturbing behavior that culminated in his suspension.
The investigation into Dr. Diffine’s conduct was prompted by a complainant who submitted unsettling video footage to the medical board, showing the physician walking around his Blytheville practice completely nude.
Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request indicate that the incriminating footage was recorded in 2019 via surveillance cameras installed at Diffine Family Practice. Among the shocking scenes, Diffine is visibly seen strolling naked in the hallway that connects patient rooms, raising serious ethical concerns.
One particularly troubling clip features Diffine in the receptionist’s office, fully naked, in the presence of three female employees. Disturbingly, he was recorded performing a sexual act on one of the women, ending with him ejaculating on her, highlighting the severe breach of trust and professional boundaries.
The woman involved in this incident not only worked as a lab technician for another company but was also one of Dr. Diffine’s patients, further complicating the ethical implications of his actions.
According to the individual who submitted the videos, all the footage was captured during standard business hours, suggesting a pattern of inappropriate behavior that could undermine patient trust and safety.
The complainant emphasized that Dr. Diffine allegedly exploits his “position of power” to groom employees and patients into engaging in what have been described as repulsive sexual acts, calling into question the integrity of his medical practice.
Dr. Bradley Diner of the Arkansas Medical Foundation articulated serious concerns in the investigative documents, stating:
The pervasive behavior leads to concerns about a sexual compulsive disorder or paraphilia which may in fact cross boundaries with his delivery of medical care. Simply, the interaction with his office staff suggest an entanglement in his medical practice.
In September, an investigator from the Arkansas Department of Health conducted a phone interview with Dr. Diffine, during which he was made aware of the video evidence against him.
In response to the accusations, Diffine feigned ignorance, claiming, “I don‘t know anything about that at all,” insisting he needed to see the footage to understand the allegations being made against him.
K8 News has sought comment from Dr. Diffine by reaching out to his various offices and leaving voicemails on his personal phone, but our attempts to get a response have been met with silence.
A news crew even visited Diffine’s home seeking a statement but received no response, despite a vehicle being present in the vicinity.
This investigation is not an isolated incident; earlier this year, the Arkansas State Medical Board looked into Diffine’s activities following complaints concerning what he refers to as his naturist lifestyle.
In a January complaint, allegations surfaced suggesting that Diffine was sharing nude photos of himself on social media platforms, with the complainant providing screenshots from his now-deactivated Instagram account, @naked.drdave.
Defending himself before the medical board, Diffine asserted that he identifies as a naturist and claimed his social media presence was well-recognized within the naturist community, promoting body positivity and acceptance.
In his letter to the board, he stated, “We do not shame, sexualize, fear, or negatively stigmatize the naked body,” firmly denying any overlap between his personal beliefs and his professional responsibilities.
Despite the seriousness of these earlier allegations, the board opted against taking immediate action during their June meeting, deciding to retain the documentation for potential future reviews.
This is not the first time Diffine’s practices have come under scrutiny; he has previously faced investigations for allegedly distributing pain medications improperly.
His medical license was temporarily suspended in 2017 while the board investigated claims of excessive prescription writing, although they ultimately found no evidence of violations, leading to the closure of the case.
In Missouri, Diffine faced similar scrutiny in 2011 when he entered a deferred prosecution agreement after being charged with illegal distribution of pain medications. Criminal charges were later dropped, but he agreed to refrain from practicing medicine in Missouri for three years, with the matter ultimately closed by the state board.
On October 13, following the investigation triggered by the submitted videos, the Arkansas State Medical Board formally suspended Dr. Diffine’s medical license. His hearing is scheduled for December 6, where further revelations may emerge.
K8 News is committed to providing updates on this developing story as it unfolds following Diffine’s upcoming hearing.
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What steps can be taken to improve patient trust following incidents of unethical behavior by medical professionals?
**Interview with Dr. Bradley Diner, Arkansas Medical Foundation**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Diner. The recent suspension of Dr. David Diffine’s medical license has sent shockwaves through the community. What are your initial thoughts on this situation?
**Dr. Diner:** Thank you for having me. It’s indeed a deeply troubling case that raises significant ethical concerns regarding patient trust and the integrity of medical practice. Dr. Diffine’s actions, as reported, are not just alarming but profoundly violate the standards expected of healthcare professionals.
**Editor:** The footage reportedly depicts Dr. Diffine engaging in sexual acts in his practice. In your experience, how does such behavior affect patients and staff?
**Dr. Diner:** Such behavior can have devastating effects. Patients rely on their doctors for not only medical treatment but for safeguarding their dignity and trust. When a physician exploits his position of power, it creates an environment of fear and betrayal. For staff members, witnessing such acts can lead to a toxic workplace atmosphere and significant psychological distress.
**Editor:** The complainant mentioned that Dr. Diffine exploited his “position of power” over employees and patients. Can you elaborate on how power dynamics in a medical setting can lead to unethical behavior?
**Dr. Diner:** Absolutely. Physicians hold a significant amount of authority and trust. When that power is misused, it can create situations where individuals feel vulnerable and may be coerced into inappropriate situations. It’s crucial for any medical setting to establish clear boundaries and foster an environment where staff and patients can speak out without fear of retaliation.
**Editor:** The investigation revealed that Dr. Diffine previously defended his actions by claiming he follows a naturist lifestyle. How does this intersect with the professional standards expected in the medical field?
**Dr. Diner:** While everyone has the right to their personal beliefs and lifestyles, they cannot infringe upon professional responsibilities. Being a naturist does not grant someone immunity from adhering to ethical standards of conduct in a healthcare environment. The medical profession demands a higher level of accountability, particularly regarding interactions with patients and staff.
**Editor:** After the revelations about Dr. Diffine, what steps do you believe should be taken to prevent such incidents in the future?
**Dr. Diner:** First and foremost, there needs to be stringent oversight and regular training on ethical practices within healthcare settings. Encouraging an open dialogue about these issues is crucial. Whistleblower protections should be reinforced, allowing individuals to report misconduct without fear of repercussions. Also, ongoing education about power dynamics and consent is vital to cultivate a safe and respectful environment.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Diner, for your insights into this serious matter. It’s crucial that the medical community remains vigilant to maintain the trust placed in it by patients and society at large.
**Dr. Diner:** Thank you for addressing this important issue. Awareness is the first step toward meaningful change.
