The Ohio Court of Appeals has upheld the permanent revocation of Dr. Fidelis Obu's medical license, affirming a previous ruling by the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas. This decision, made on November 13, 2026, comes after Obu was found guilty of serious misconduct involving a former patient. The ruling emphasizes the importance of maintaining public trust in the medical profession.
The case stems from an incident in October 2019, where Dr. Obu was accused of attempting to sexually assault a former patient, referred to as Patient 1. Following a criminal investigation, he pleaded guilty to unlawful restraint, a misdemeanor, in exchange for the dismissal of more severe felony charges. The State Medical Board of Ohio subsequently initiated disciplinary action, leading to the revocation of his medical license and a $20,000 fine.
Background
Dr. Fidelis Obu completed his internal medicine residency between 2014 and 2017. During this time, he treated Patient 1, who later became the subject of serious allegations against him. In 2019, after losing contact with Patient 1, they reconnected on social media and arranged to meet at Obu's home. During this meeting, Obu allegedly attempted to force Patient 1 to drink alcohol, physically restrained her, and attempted to remove her clothing.
Patient 1 reported the incident, prompting a criminal investigation that led to Obu's indictment on charges of Gross Sexual Imposition and Abduction. After pleading guilty to a lesser charge of unlawful restraint in April 2024, Obu faced disciplinary action from the State Medical Board, which cited multiple violations of medical ethics and law.
The Ruling
The Ohio Court of Appeals, led by Judge Christine E. Mayle, affirmed the lower court's decision to revoke Obu's medical license. The court ruled that the Board's findings were supported by substantial evidence, stating, "The testimony of Patient 1 is clear... Appellant continued to force himself upon her in a sexual way until Patient 1 was able to get her daughter on her phone and leave Appellant’s home." The court emphasized that the Board had the authority to revoke Obu's license under Ohio law due to his felony conduct, regardless of the plea agreement in the criminal case.
Judge Mayle noted that while Obu admitted to the misconduct, he argued that the punishment was excessively harsh. However, the court maintained that it could not modify the Board's decision as it was legally justified and supported by the evidence presented. The ruling highlighted the Board's discretion in imposing sanctions within the medical profession.
Impact
The court's decision reinforces the authority of medical boards to impose strict penalties on practitioners who engage in misconduct, particularly when it involves violations of trust and ethics. The ruling serves as a reminder of the standards expected of medical professionals and the consequences of failing to uphold these standards. It affects not only Dr. Obu but also sets a precedent for how similar cases may be handled in the future.
By affirming the revocation of Obu's license, the court aims to protect the integrity of the medical profession and ensure that patients can trust their healthcare providers. This case may influence future disciplinary actions against medical professionals who engage in unethical behavior, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the healthcare system.
What's Next
Dr. Obu can appeal the court's decision to the Ohio Supreme Court, although it is unclear if he will pursue this option. There are no related cases pending that directly address the same issues, but the implications of this ruling may resonate in future disciplinary matters involving medical professionals.
