The Ohio Court of Appeals has upheld the permanent revocation of Dr. Carmen Popa's medical license. This decision stems from serious allegations, including theft of surgical equipment and improper prescription practices. The ruling, issued on June 30, 2026, affects not only Dr. Popa but also raises concerns about medical ethics and accountability in the healthcare profession.
Dr. Popa, a physician originally from Romania, moved to the United States in 1998 and began practicing medicine in Ohio in 2001. She opened her own medical practice in 2002 and was the only physician covering four locations in the Cleveland area. However, her career faced significant challenges following incidents that led to her license revocation.
The dispute began when Dr. Popa was accused of stealing surgical loupes belonging to another physician, Dr. Salem Noureldine, from a secured physicians’ lounge at a local hospital. Surveillance footage captured her removing the loupes and leaving the hospital with them. Dr. Popa later claimed she intended to borrow the loupes to check their prescription but did not return them immediately. The theft was reported to hospital police, and Dr. Popa eventually resigned her hospital privileges amid the investigation.
In addition to the theft, Dr. Popa faced allegations of improperly prescribing schedule II stimulants for weight loss and failing to follow required documentation protocols. The Ohio Medical Board issued multiple notices of hearings regarding her actions, which included not appearing for a scheduled deposition and failing to provide requested patient records.
On January 8, 2025, the State Medical Board of Ohio permanently revoked Dr. Popa's medical license and imposed a $20,000 fine for her actions. Dr. Popa appealed this decision to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, arguing that the penalty was excessive and that the board had acted with bias.
The Ohio Court of Appeals, led by Judge Jamison, reviewed the case and affirmed the lower court's decision. The court found that the board's conclusions were supported by reliable evidence. The ruling stated, "The board relied on legally sufficient evidence in concluding that Dr. Popa was not fit to hold a license to practice medicine and surgery in Ohio." This decision reinforces the authority of the State Medical Board to impose strict penalties for violations of medical ethics and conduct.
The court also addressed Dr. Popa's claims of bias and mitigating factors, stating that she failed to provide sufficient evidence to support her assertions. The court emphasized that the board's discretion in imposing sanctions reflects its expertise in regulating the medical profession. The ruling noted, "The board has broad discretion in fashioning a sanction, and the hearing examiner noted that she considered a number of sanctions before recommending permanent revocation and a fine."
The implications of this ruling extend beyond Dr. Popa. It serves as a reminder of the importance of adherence to medical regulations and ethical standards. Physicians must maintain a high level of professionalism and accountability to ensure patient safety and trust in the healthcare system.
Going forward, the decision sets a precedent for how similar cases may be handled by the State Medical Board and the courts. It underscores the seriousness of theft and improper prescribing practices in the medical field. The ruling may deter other medical professionals from engaging in unethical behavior, knowing that the consequences can be severe.
Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Dr. Popa plans to pursue further legal action or if there are any related cases pending. However, the ruling confirms that the Ohio Court of Appeals will uphold the decisions of medical boards when there is substantial evidence supporting their findings.