George Tyndall

George Tyndall is a former gynecologist. In 2019 he is under investigation in the Los Angeles Police Department's largest investigation of sexual abuse by a single perpetrator.[1][2][3]

Early life and education

Tyndall was born and raised in Plattsburgh, New York as one of five children. He had some French ancestry on his mother's side. He attended the State University of New York Plattsburgh but discontinued his studies to join the Navy in 1967. While in the Navy, he was sent to the Defense League Institute in Monterey to study Vietnamese, a language that was in high demand for the American Intelligence efforts during the Vietnam War. He was eventually stationed in Manila in the Philippines. Tyndall learned Tagalog during this time.[1]

In 1971, Tyndall was honorably discharged from the Navy and resumed studies at the State University of New York, where he graduated summa cum laude.

Training in obstetrics and gynecology

In 1980. Tyndall returned to the Philippines to begin medical school at the University of the East, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. He later transferred to the Drexel University College of Medicine (previously the Medical College of Pennsylvania).[1]

Career

Upon graduation from medical school, Tyndall was selected for a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Kaiser in Los Angeles.[1] During his residency he focused on preventative care, and upon completion of residency he found an opening for the student health center at the University of Southern California.

Tyndall practiced at the University of Southern California University Park Health Center and later the USC Engemann Student Health Center. He worked at the university from August 1989 to June 2016; for the majority of this time he was the only full-time gynecologist.

Allegations of sexual abuse and harassment

On May 16, 2018 the Los Angeles Times published an article[4] investigating allegations of sexual abuse. Since the publication, hundreds of women have come forward accusing Tyndall of sexual abuse and racial discrimination.

On June 26, 2019 Tyndall was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department and charged with 29 felonies related to allegations by 16 women for incidents taking place from 2009 to 2016.[5] The 29 felonies consist of 18 counts of sexual penetration and 11 counts of sexual battery by fraud.[6] The victims were age 17 to 29, had evidence to support claims, and fell within the statute of limitations. George Tyndall plead not guilty to the charges.[7] Bail was set to $2.1 million and later lowered to $1.6 million. The District Attorney's office is still investigating at least 700 claims[5] and dozens of civil lawsuits filed in state court.

On May 23, 2019 the University of Southern California released unsealed documents related to Tyndall's employment under federal court order.[8] The records include student complaints, internal correspondence between Tyndall and USC employees, and Tyndall's performance evaluations. Much of the correspondence is with Larry Neinstein, then-executive director of the USC ESHC, who died in 2016.[9]

Since the release of the initial Los Angeles Times article published on May 16, 2018,[4] hundreds of USC students and alumni have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse, assault, battery, and harassment. Over the years, many patients reported that Tyndall was unprofessional, creepy, or made them feel "uncomfortable and violated." There were multiple requests to change providers and not see Tyndall again.[10] Complaints were generally addressed internally by USC Engemann Student Health Center executive director, Larry Neinstein.

  • In 1991, an undergraduate student reported Tyndall for taking improper photographs, including close-up photos of her genitals and full body pictures.[1]
  • In 2000, a student complained when Tyndall told her a story of the rock guitarist from Megadeth having sex in public on the streets of Chicago. A letter from the student says that it was "degrading and humiliating."[11]
  • In both September 2003 and February 2004, it was reported that George Tyndall did not permit chaperones (medical assistants and nurses) access behind the curtain during gynecological exams; Neinstein had a conversation with Tyndall regarding the concern. In response to the 2004 complaint, Neinstein documented that the men had a conversation and Tyndall "understood." Tyndall continued to block chaperones access until eventually the physical layout of the exam rooms were altered.[11]
  • A 2005 complaint came from a student who was "made extremely uncomfortable by... comments about my sexual past and my sexual orientation. The comments were completely irrelevant to my appointment and made me feel uncomfortable."[10]
  • In October 2009, a student reported that Tyndall made an inappropriate comment about her pubic hair saying "This is nice. Laser hair removal?"[10] The student said she felt uncomfortable, embarrassed, and angry. Larry Neinstein's notes say that he addressed the issue with Tyndall by recommending that "if [Tyndall] was going to talk about pubic hair...to do this when the student was dressed...if he found someone who might have a good procedure that could be recommended to other students he would phrase it this way." Neinstein noted that "[Tyndall] understood."[10]
  • In October 2016, a complaint said that the "Practitioner repeatedly insinuated that I was promiscuous...and made me feel like a horrible person."[10]
  • In May 2016, internal notes of USC staff concerns regarding George Tyndall state "he continues to say inappropriate things to student/patients and staff...talks about nipples being perky, vaginal muscle tone" and ask if the patient is a runner.[12]

Allegations of racial harassment and discrimination

Over the years, USC Engemann Student Health Center received multiple reports of inappropriate racial comments from both students and staff. The concerns eventually were forwarded to the USC Office of Equity and Diversity in 2003. Reports include:

  • Statements such as "Mexicans are taking over" and there would be a "reconquista."[12]
  • Statements such as “Hispanics have green thumbs so I like to ask them to care for my plant when I am off.”[12]
  • Denial of an African-American student (with authorized access) to the Student Health Center after hours.[12]
  • A statement that “black women have too many children.”[12]
  • A question to an African American colleague “Why do you speak so well?” and said something to the effect of “most blacks don't know proper English.”[12]
  • A January 2016 student complaint states “Dr. Tyndall is a racist. He treated me like a criminal and less than a person.”[12]
  • Internal staff comments of Tyndall state that it “seems when [he] gets minorities (African) Dr. Tyndall [makes them] wait longer than Asian or White patients.”[12]
  • Reports that Tyndall made comments that students “looked like [his] wife” and telling students about his “beautiful Filipina wife.”[13]

Treatment of international students

External investigation by MDReview demonstrate that Tyndall had a preference for Asian patients and international students.[13]

Tyndall spoke during interviews of his particular interest in international students, especially those from China, saying he tried to empathize with the patients.[1] There are accusations that Tyndall preferred international students because they were easier to victimize due to being unfamiliar with the culture, English language, and practice of American gynecology.[14][15]

Internal investigations by the University of Southern California

Concerns with George Tyndall's conduct and behavior were primarily handled internally at the USC health centers by Larry Neinstein (then executive director), William Leavitt (Tyndall's supervisor), and the ESHC director of Quality and Safety. In June 2013, Neinstein contacted the USC Office of Equity and Diversity (OED) regarding student and staff complaints. OED representatives investigated through interviews with USC ESHC staff and one student who had voiced a complaint. Interviews of staff yielded similar comments of Tyndall making patients feel uncomfortable and multiple students refusing to see Tyndall again. The OED reported that there was insufficient evidence of USC policy violation and no justification for continuing investigation. On June 2, 2016, George Tyndall again was reported to the USC Office of Equity and Diversity. ESHC staff were interviewed and made the following reports.

  • While performing exams, Tyndall would comment on patients vaginal tone and make comments such as "are you a runner?"[12] nearly every day on nearly every patient.
  • Tyndall would perform full body checks, citing that he was checking for skin cancer; this is not standard practice for gynecology and was not documented in patient medical records.[12]

Internal documents state that "Unfortunately the [Medical Assistants] have worked with this so long and feel our management has known about it, yet nothing has been done...At this point they do not keep track of specific names as it occurs every day."[12] In October 2016, an ESHC staff member contacted the OED and said that "past experience has proven that going to HR about issues within ESHC result in [the staff making the report] being seen as the problem."[12]

In June 2016, ESHC staff reported Tyndall to USC's Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Services.[4] They reported frustration that prior reports to the university had not led to meaningful consequence or change in Tyndall's behavior. In conjunction with the recent discovery of patient photographs stored in Tyndall's office, he was placed on paid administrative leave effective June 17, 2016.

Additional concerns and violations

Hygiene and cleanliness

There were many reports of concerns about George Tyndall's hygiene and cleanliness. In June 2016 a nurse reported that she had never seen Tyndall wash his hands before or after a patient visit.[12] Staff reported at least two occasions during which Tyndall asked to keep a patient's intrauterine device (IUD) after it had been removed.[13]

In October 2007 and April 2016 multiple USC staff complained about the cleanliness of Tyndall's office including that it was a mess, filled with garbage and clutter,[12] and "smell[ed] horrible."[10]

The unsanitary conditions of his office were what ultimately led to Tyndall's placement on administrative leave. While he was on vacation during June 2016, ESHC facilities staff noticed an infestation of flies and bugs and the source was determined to be Tyndall's office. While cleaning his office, a locked file cabinet filled with pictures of patients, some including names and identification numbers, was discovered. The following day he was placed on administrative leave for violation of Engemann policies of office maintenance and protection of patient health information.[12]

External investigation November 2016: MDReview

On November 15 and 16, external MDReview consultants visited USC to conduct an investigation of George Tyndall. More than 17 USC staff were interviewed (including George Tyndall). MDReview concluded that "significant concern exists that many of Dr. Tyndall's practices are not within the current standard of care... he repeatedly exhibits behavior that is unprofessional, inappropriate, and/or unusual."[13] It was discovered that his procedures for breast and pelvic exams were not within standards of care, and did not qualify as informed consent with regard to patient's rights. The report stated that some of Tyndall's behaviors were "potentially indicative of underlying psychopathy" and raised significant concerns about the physical and psychological safety of patients[13]. According to the MDReview investigation, the following are direct quotes taken from ESHC personnel:[13]

  • Described as a hoarder
  • Never washes hands
  • Uses a rag in his pocket to open door
  • Prefers Asian and/or international patients
  • One finger and then two fingers [prior to speculum examination]
  • "At your age you won't have breast cancer"
  • "Ask your boyfriend."
  • "Your husband will be happy."

Aftermath and University of Southern California response

On January 31, 2017 the Office of Equity and Diversity presented Tyndall and ESHC administration with the findings of investigations regarding the multiple allegations. His actions were not deemed a violation of USC's sexual harassment policy, and were referred back to USC Engemann Student Health Center.[13] It was determined that Tyndall violated the USC policies against race harassment[13] and the issue was forwarded to human resources.

In May 2017 after the conclusion of the investigation, Tyndall was told that he faced termination.[4] As an alternative to termination, Tyndall was offered a severance package if he agreed to resign. He resigned effective June 30, 2017 with a severance package of an undisclosed amount.

According to the Los Angeles Times, USC stated that they were under no legal obligation to report Tyndall to the Medical Board because it is not governed by the rules of hospitals and clinics. Ultimately, the university reported Tyndall after he asked to be reinstated in March 2018.[4]

On May 25, 2018 USC President C. L. Max Nikias resigned due to pressure from the USC community. Professors and students were unhappy with the university's handling of the Tyndall situation, particularly after the July 2017 scandal of USC Keck School of Medicine Dean Carmen Puliafito.

Criminal investigation, class action settlement, and civil lawsuits

Criminal investigation by Los Angeles Police Department

The accusations of George Tyndall have become the largest investigation of sexual abuse performed by LAPD against a single perpetrator.[5] After the discovery of illicit photos in Tyndall's office, LAPD obtained half a dozen search warrants for his personal property including Tyndall's home and storage units. Findings included hundreds more images of unclothed women, some taken in clinic settings. Dozens of hard drives were also discovered and are still undergoing review. Since the searches of Tyndall's belongings it has been discovered that he was selling "homemade sex tapes" and photos in the Philippines.[7][16]

Class action settlement: $215 million

In June 2019 USC agreed to a $215 million class-action settlement for tens of thousands of women treated by Tyndall from August 14, 1989-June 21,2016. Amounts vary from $2,500 to $250,000 and will be compensated based on the severity of misconduct and the patient's willingness to provide written statements or interviews with mental health professionals.[17]

Personal life

George Tyndall married Daisy Patricio, a Filipina woman from Mindanao. It is estimated that at the time, Tyndall was approximately 20 years her senior.[1] Tyndall and his wife lived in the Lafayette Park neighborhood of Los Angeles and did not have any children.

References
  1. "Must Reads: How George Tyndall went from USC gynecologist to the center of LAPD's largest-ever sex abuse investigation". Los Angeles Times. 2018-12-19. Retrieved 2019-07-20.
  2. "Secret files on doctor who 'preyed on young Asian students'". South China Morning Post. 2019-05-26. Retrieved 2019-10-06.
  3. Medina, Jennifer (2018-05-17). "'Just the Grossest Thing': Women Recall Interactions With U.S.C. Doctor". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-10-06.
  4. "Must Reads: A USC doctor was accused of bad behavior with young women for years. The university let him continue treating students". Los Angeles Times. 2018-05-16. Retrieved 2019-11-10.
  5. "Former USC gynecologist George Tyndall charged with 29 felonies in sex abuse case". Los Angeles Times. 2019-06-26. Retrieved 2019-07-20.
  6. "Bail Lowered For USC Gynecologist George Tyndall Accused of Sexually Assaulting Patients". 2019-07-09. Retrieved 2019-07-20.
  7. "Ex-USC gynecologist George Tyndall pleads not guilty to sexual abuse charges". Los Angeles Times. 2019-07-01. Retrieved 2019-07-20.
  8. "Court Documents Release, May 23, 2019". Commitment to Change. Retrieved 2019-07-19.
  9. "In memoriam: Lawrence Neinstein, 66". USC News. 2016-04-29. Retrieved 2019-07-19.
  10. "USC Unsealed Documents re: Tyndall" (PDF).
  11. "USC Unsealed Documents re: Tyndall" (PDF). www.change.usc.edu.
  12. "USC Unsealed Docuements re: Tyndall Part 2" (PDF).
  13. "USC Unsealed Documents re: Tyndall Part 3" (PDF).
  14. "USC was told gynecologist could be preying on Asian women, secret records show". Los Angeles Times. 2019-05-24. Retrieved 2019-07-20.
  15. "Secret files on doctor who 'preyed on young Asian students'". South China Morning Post. 2019-05-26. Retrieved 2019-10-06.
  16. "Ex-USC gynecologist sold sex videos he recorded in foreign hotel rooms, prosecutor says". Los Angeles Times. 2019-07-09. Retrieved 2019-07-20.
  17. "Judge signs off on USC's $215-million settlement with patients of ex-gynecologist". Los Angeles Times. 2019-06-13. Retrieved 2019-07-19.
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