NY Psychiatrist Sameh S. Wahba Surrenders Medical License for Negligent & Incompetent Treatment of 7 Patients

January 20, 2020

On January 10, 2020, New York psychiatrist Sameh S. Wahba surrendered his license to practice medicine.

The basis for this action was moral unfitness, gross negligence, gross incompetence, and failure to maintain records in his treatment of seven patients.

The particulars for each patient are listed in documents issued by the New State Department of Health's Surrender or License and Order:

"A. Wahba treated Patient A from on or about July 11, 2017 through on or about October 31, 2018. His care deviated from the accepted standards in that he:

"1. Engaged in an inappropriate, sexualized relationship with the patient and

"2. Failed to:

"a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or

"b. devise and implement an appropriate treatment plan, and/or

"c. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or

"d. communicate and/or collaborate with other treatment providers, and/or

"e. adequately and appropriately follow-up on patient hospitalizations, and/or

'f. maintain an accurate recor do the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient.

"3. Inappropriately:

"a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment, without appropriate medical rationale, and/or

"b. prescribed controlled substance medications, with high risk for misuse, included but not limited to Xanax and Adderrall, without appropriate medical rationale.

"B. Wahba treated Patient B from on or about May 6, 2015 through on or about August 18, 2015. Patient B expired on September 5, 2015. Wahba's care deviated from minimally accepted standards in that he:

"1. Failed to:

"a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or

"b. utilize non-prescription treatment modalities, and/or

"c. ensure approriate treatment for addiction, and/or

"d. devise and implement and appropriate treatment plan, and/or

"e. appropriately utilize toxicology testing and/or respond to toxicology results, and/or

"f. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or

"g. appropriately respond to evidence of possible misuse of prescribed medications, and/or

"h. maintain an accurate record of the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient.

"2. Inappropriately:

"a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment without appropriate medical rationale, and/or

"b. treated for addiction without a multi-modality plan, and/or

"c. prescribed controlled substance medications, with high risk for misuse, including but not limited to Xanax, without appropriate medical rationale, and/or

"d. prescribed buprenorphine without following appropriate protocols,

"C. Wahba treated Patient C (spouse of Patient D) from on or about September 29, 2009 through on or about February 23, 2016. Wahba's care deviated from minimally accepted standards in that he:

"1. Failed to:

"a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or

"b. devise and implement and appropriate treatment plan, and/or

"c. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or

"d. appropriately respond to evidence of possible misuse of prescribed medications, and/or

"e. adequately and appropriately follow up on patient hospitalization, and/or

"f. appropriately utilize toxicology testing and/or respond to toxicology results, and/or

"g. maintain an accurate record of the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient.

"2. Inappropriately:

"a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment without appropriate medical rationale, and/or

"b. prescribed controlled substance medications, with high risk for misuse, including but not limited to Xanax, without appropriate medical rationale.

"D. Wahba treatment Patient D (spouse of Patient C) on or about June 30, 2008, and then from on of about August 14, 2014 through on or about February 23, 2016. Wahba's care devated from minimally accepted standards in that he:

"1. Failed to:

"a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or

"b. devise and implement an appropriate treatment plan, and/or

"c. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or

"d. appropriately respond to evidence of possible misue and/or side effects of prescribed medications, and/or

"e. adequately and appropriately follow-up on patient hospitalizations, and/or

"f. appropriately utilize toxicology testing and/or respond to toxicology results, and/or

"g. maintain an accurate record of the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient.

"2. Inappropriately:

"a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment, without appropriate medical rationale, and/or

"b. prescribed controlled substance medication, with high risk for misuse, without appropriate medical rationale.

"E. Wahba's treatment Patient E from on or about December 8, 2014 through on or about September 20, 2016. Wahba's care deviated from minimally accepted standards in that he:

"1. Failed to:

"a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or

"b. devise and implement and appropriate treatment plan, and/or

"c. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or

"d. appropriately respond to evidence of possible misuse of prescribed medications, and/or

"e. appropriately address potentially new symptoms, including but not limited to disorganized thoughts and paranoia, and/or

"f. appropriately assess risk of self harm, and/or

"g. maintain an accurate record of the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient.

"2. Inappropriately:

"a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment without appropriate medical rationale, and/or

"b. prescribed controlled substance medications, with high risk for misuse, including but not limited to Xanax, without appropriate medical rationale, and/or

"c. prescribed Orap [pimozide, and antipsychotic medication] without appropriate medical rationale, and/or

"d. prescribed medications without considering potential side effects and/or interactions with other medications.

"F. Wahba treated Patient F from on or about January 2, 2013 through on or about June 9, 2016. Wahba's care deviated from minimally accepted standards in that he:

"1. Failed to:

"a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or

"b. devise and implement and appropriate treatment plan, and/or

"c. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or

"d. adequately and appropriately follow-up on patient hospitalization, and/or

"e. appropriately respond to evidence of possible misuse of prescribed medications, and/or

"f. maintain an accurate record of the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient.

"2. Inappropriately:

"a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment without appropriate medical rationale, and/or

"b. prescribed controlled substance medications, with high risk for misuse, including but not limited to Xanax, without appropriate medical rationale.

"G. Wahba treatment Patient G from on or about April 16, 1998 through April 15, 1999 and then from on or about July 2, 2001 through on or about June 29, 2016. Wahba's care devated from minimally accepted standards in that he:

"1. Failed to:

"a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or

"b. devise and implement an appropriate treatment plan, and/or

"c. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or

"d. appropriately respond to evidence of possible misue and/or side effects of prescribed medications, and/or

"e. appropriately respond to evidence of possible side effects of prescribed medications, and/or

"f. appropriately utilize toxicology testing and/or respond to toxicology results, and/or

"g. maintain an accurate record of the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient.

"2. Inappropriately:

"a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment without appropriate medical rationale, and/or

"b. prescribed controlled substance medications, with high risk for misuse, including but not limited to Xanax, without appropriate medical rationale.

Source: Surrender Order in the Matter of Sameh Wahba, M.D., BPMC No. 19-311, New York State Department of Health State Board for Professional Medical Conduct. December 21, 2019.

Go to News

Go to News Archive

Comments

Catherine

2020-12-06 20:57:41

I received %u201Ccare%u201D from this man and was sexually assaulted in his office. I was asked on the last occasion I went to his office to return later as he was running very late with his appointments. I returned later only to find the secretary and all office staff gone. He assured me everything was fine and when I went into his office he sat next to me on the coach and tried to touch and kiss me. I left the office never to return again. I regret not telling my husband and not going to the authorities (police & AMA) and pressing charges. Shame on him for trying to take advantage of people who put their complete trust in him and who are suffering illness.

Lisa Marie Bramer

2020-12-07 13:30:01

I was a patient of his and would like to report what he did to me if I may. How do I report him?

Mart Tan

2020-12-10 10:09:41

The day I came for my appointment and the office was closed, my first thought was that Dr Wahba had a heart attack or took ill. I%u2019m so disappointed in a man who I put my trust in.

Sarah stern

2023-09-13 14:37:01

I saw Dr. Whaba on many occasions he was never inappropriate with me, but had me taking Xanax, so he had me on a path of addiction, but I weaned myself off of the medicine. I feel bad for him to just throw away his license, he needs psychiatric care, give him TX he needs it, retrain his brain, the man needs help, taking away his license is not ethical, put him in mandatory treatment.

Annie McDonnell

2023-09-23 15:32:50

The guilt I feel right now is awful because I did not say anything. Except to my new counselor I said I didn%u2019t see a psychiatrist again. He sexually assaulted me in his office kept inviting me out to dinner every time I was there I don%u2019t know why I kept going back. I was stupid. He was always creepy and I kept going back and then I didn%u2019t say anything and now all of these other women have been attacked. What do I do about this? It was 2009 when this happened.
So trust me he was doing this a lot longer than anyone knows and it may even go back further. This is unacceptable and outrageous!

Sue Sykes

2023-09-25 13:21:26

Sarah Stern: "Unethical" to take away the license of physician who has demonstrated such incompetence and disregard for patient well-being?

You're either kidding or you're morally permissive...or you're a mental health practitioner yourself.

Former Patient

2024-03-05 19:03:56

Dr. Wahba was a saint and a real gentleman. He'll be missed and retired before his time. His critics say a lot of things but at the end of the day - he did a lot of good.

P.S. I liked his office location too and was fond of his suites.

Patient

2024-03-05 19:40:53

I think it is really unfair. He commited no crime. So why is he on this website?

Also, does anyone connected with his conduct know what exactly happened?

Very Good Doctor

2024-04-30 17:02:36

Dr. Wahba was one of the best. I think people just didn't like his swager, his no nonesense, I'm going to give you Xanax attitude and his effort to push the limits. He made his mark and thats what really bother people. A pioneer in the field, a go getter, the best budy who you never knew. I wish they'd reinstate his license so we could still have fun and hang and so forth. His stories were hilarious and I loved working with the guy.

Also, he's McMansion in Florida is supercool, reminds me a bit of the citadel in ScarFace.

THE WORLD IS YOURS!

Anon

2024-05-30 14:03:44

I agree with the above remark. Wahba was known for giving out Xanax and Adderall but he was also better and bigger than that. He was a fighter, a leader, a no nonesense doctor who helped the needy, the poor, and mentally ill. He fought back and he did well. No one likes him because he ruffled a few to many feathers of the big medicine establishment and did it HIS way. He was, and is, a saint and we are all better off because of it. I think you got to question the hatters, the do nothings and the negativism around these posts. He did the right thing and he did it big time. Who will fill the void - time will tell - but Wahba will be missed.

Physician Colleague

2024-08-15 18:26:30

Sameh was the best doctor out there. I wouldn't pay to much attention to the critics. If you can't say something good don't say anything at all. Whenever we had anyone who need Xanax, Suboxone, Adderall, etc. Sameh was the guy to go to. He was hands down the best. I fill like he had a few run ins from his patients but with some many clients its hard not to have these kind of wahoos criticizing you. I heard he is down in Florida having fun but I really missed him. BTW, don't believe everything you read.

Home About PsychCrime Database News / Press Room Articles / Publications For Attorneys For Whistleblowers Video Store Donate Contact Us CCHR International 6616 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 800-869-2247 323-467-4242 323-467-3720 Fax [email protected]	NY Psychiatrist Sameh S. Wahba Surrenders Medical License for Negligent & Incompetent Treatment of 7 Patients January 20, 2020 On January 10, 2020, New York psychiatrist Sameh S. Wahba surrendered his license to practice medicine. The basis for this action was moral unfitness, gross negligence, gross incompetence, and failure to maintain records in his treatment of seven patients. The particulars for each patient are listed in documents issued by the New State Department of Health's Surrender or License and Order: "A. Wahba treated Patient A from on or about July 11, 2017 through on or about October 31, 2018. His care deviated from the accepted standards in that he: "1. Engaged in an inappropriate, sexualized relationship with the patient and "2. Failed to: "a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or "b. devise and implement an appropriate treatment plan, and/or "c. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or "d. communicate and/or collaborate with other treatment providers, and/or "e. adequately and appropriately follow-up on patient hospitalizations, and/or 'f. maintain an accurate recor do the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient. "3. Inappropriately: "a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment, without appropriate medical rationale, and/or "b. prescribed controlled substance medications, with high risk for misuse, included but not limited to Xanax and Adderrall, without appropriate medical rationale. "B. Wahba treated Patient B from on or about May 6, 2015 through on or about August 18, 2015. Patient B expired on September 5, 2015. Wahba's care deviated from minimally accepted standards in that he: "1. Failed to: "a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or "b. utilize non-prescription treatment modalities, and/or "c. ensure approriate treatment for addiction, and/or "d. devise and implement and appropriate treatment plan, and/or "e. appropriately utilize toxicology testing and/or respond to toxicology results, and/or "f. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or "g. appropriately respond to evidence of possible misuse of prescribed medications, and/or "h. maintain an accurate record of the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient. "2. Inappropriately: "a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment without appropriate medical rationale, and/or "b. treated for addiction without a multi-modality plan, and/or "c. prescribed controlled substance medications, with high risk for misuse, including but not limited to Xanax, without appropriate medical rationale, and/or "d. prescribed buprenorphine without following appropriate protocols, "C. Wahba treated Patient C (spouse of Patient D) from on or about September 29, 2009 through on or about February 23, 2016. Wahba's care deviated from minimally accepted standards in that he: "1. Failed to: "a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or "b. devise and implement and appropriate treatment plan, and/or "c. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or "d. appropriately respond to evidence of possible misuse of prescribed medications, and/or "e. adequately and appropriately follow up on patient hospitalization, and/or "f. appropriately utilize toxicology testing and/or respond to toxicology results, and/or "g. maintain an accurate record of the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient. "2. Inappropriately: "a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment without appropriate medical rationale, and/or "b. prescribed controlled substance medications, with high risk for misuse, including but not limited to Xanax, without appropriate medical rationale. "D. Wahba treatment Patient D (spouse of Patient C) on or about June 30, 2008, and then from on of about August 14, 2014 through on or about February 23, 2016. Wahba's care devated from minimally accepted standards in that he: "1. Failed to: "a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or "b. devise and implement an appropriate treatment plan, and/or "c. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or "d. appropriately respond to evidence of possible misue and/or side effects of prescribed medications, and/or "e. adequately and appropriately follow-up on patient hospitalizations, and/or "f. appropriately utilize toxicology testing and/or respond to toxicology results, and/or "g. maintain an accurate record of the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient. "2. Inappropriately: "a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment, without appropriate medical rationale, and/or "b. prescribed controlled substance medication, with high risk for misuse, without appropriate medical rationale. "E. Wahba's treatment Patient E from on or about December 8, 2014 through on or about September 20, 2016. Wahba's care deviated from minimally accepted standards in that he: "1. Failed to: "a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or "b. devise and implement and appropriate treatment plan, and/or "c. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or "d. appropriately respond to evidence of possible misuse of prescribed medications, and/or "e. appropriately address potentially new symptoms, including but not limited to disorganized thoughts and paranoia, and/or "f. appropriately assess risk of self harm, and/or "g. maintain an accurate record of the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient. "2. Inappropriately: "a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment without appropriate medical rationale, and/or "b. prescribed controlled substance medications, with high risk for misuse, including but not limited to Xanax, without appropriate medical rationale, and/or "c. prescribed Orap [pimozide, and antipsychotic medication] without appropriate medical rationale, and/or "d. prescribed medications without considering potential side effects and/or interactions with other medications. "F. Wahba treated Patient F from on or about January 2, 2013 through on or about June 9, 2016. Wahba's care deviated from minimally accepted standards in that he: "1. Failed to: "a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or "b. devise and implement and appropriate treatment plan, and/or "c. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or "d. adequately and appropriately follow-up on patient hospitalization, and/or "e. appropriately respond to evidence of possible misuse of prescribed medications, and/or "f. maintain an accurate record of the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient. "2. Inappropriately: "a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment without appropriate medical rationale, and/or "b. prescribed controlled substance medications, with high risk for misuse, including but not limited to Xanax, without appropriate medical rationale. "G. Wahba treatment Patient G from on or about April 16, 1998 through April 15, 1999 and then from on or about July 2, 2001 through on or about June 29, 2016. Wahba's care devated from minimally accepted standards in that he: "1. Failed to: "a. perform and/or note an adequate and thorough diagnostic assessment, and/or "b. devise and implement an appropriate treatment plan, and/or "c. appropriately follow-up on and/or reassess treatment, and/or "d. appropriately respond to evidence of possible misue and/or side effects of prescribed medications, and/or "e. appropriately respond to evidence of possible side effects of prescribed medications, and/or "f. appropriately utilize toxicology testing and/or respond to toxicology results, and/or "g. maintain an accurate record of the evaluation and treatment rendered to the patient. "2. Inappropriately: "a. treated the patient and/or modified treatment without appropriate medical rationale, and/or "b. prescribed controlled substance medications, with high risk for misuse, including but not limited to Xanax, without appropriate medical rationale. Source: Surrender Order in the Matter of Sameh Wahba, M.D., BPMC No. 19-311, New York State Department of Health State Board for Professional Medical Conduct. December 21, 2019. Go to News Go to News Archive Comments Catherine 2020-12-06 20:57:41 I received %u201Ccare%u201D from this man and was sexually assaulted in his office. I was asked on the last occasion I went to his office to return later as he was running very late with his appointments. I returned later only to find the secretary and all office staff gone. He assured me everything was fine and when I went into his office he sat next to me on the coach and tried to touch and kiss me. I left the office never to return again. I regret not telling my husband and not going to the authorities (police & AMA) and pressing charges. Shame on him for trying to take advantage of people who put their complete trust in him and who are suffering illness. Lisa Marie Bramer 2020-12-07 13:30:01 I was a patient of his and would like to report what he did to me if I may. How do I report him? Mart Tan 2020-12-10 10:09:41 The day I came for my appointment and the office was closed, my first thought was that Dr Wahba had a heart attack or took ill. I%u2019m so disappointed in a man who I put my trust in. Sarah stern 2023-09-13 14:37:01 I saw Dr. Whaba on many occasions he was never inappropriate with me, but had me taking Xanax, so he had me on a path of addiction, but I weaned myself off of the medicine. I feel bad for him to just throw away his license, he needs psychiatric care, give him TX he needs it, retrain his brain, the man needs help, taking away his license is not ethical, put him in mandatory treatment. Annie McDonnell 2023-09-23 15:32:50 The guilt I feel right now is awful because I did not say anything. Except to my new counselor I said I didn%u2019t see a psychiatrist again. He sexually assaulted me in his office kept inviting me out to dinner every time I was there I don%u2019t know why I kept going back. I was stupid. He was always creepy and I kept going back and then I didn%u2019t say anything and now all of these other women have been attacked. What do I do about this? It was 2009 when this happened. So trust me he was doing this a lot longer than anyone knows and it may even go back further. This is unacceptable and outrageous! Sue Sykes 2023-09-25 13:21:26 Sarah Stern: "Unethical" to take away the license of physician who has demonstrated such incompetence and disregard for patient well-being? You're either kidding or you're morally permissive...or you're a mental health practitioner yourself. Former Patient 2024-03-05 19:03:56 Dr. Wahba was a saint and a real gentleman. He'll be missed and retired before his time. His critics say a lot of things but at the end of the day - he did a lot of good. P.S. I liked his office location too and was fond of his suites. Patient 2024-03-05 19:40:53 I think it is really unfair. He commited no crime. So why is he on this website? Also, does anyone connected with his conduct know what exactly happened? Very Good Doctor 2024-04-30 17:02:36 Dr. Wahba was one of the best. I think people just didn't like his swager, his no nonesense, I'm going to give you Xanax attitude and his effort to push the limits. He made his mark and thats what really bother people. A pioneer in the field, a go getter, the best budy who you never knew. I wish they'd reinstate his license so we could still have fun and hang and so forth. His stories were hilarious and I loved working with the guy. Also, he's McMansion in Florida is supercool, reminds me a bit of the citadel in ScarFace. THE WORLD IS YOURS! Anon 2024-05-30 14:03:44 I agree with the above remark. Wahba was known for giving out Xanax and Adderall but he was also better and bigger than that. He was a fighter, a leader, a no nonesense doctor who helped the needy, the poor, and mentally ill. He fought back and he did well. No one likes him because he ruffled a few to many feathers of the big medicine establishment and did it HIS way. He was, and is, a saint and we are all better off because of it. I think you got to question the hatters, the do nothings and the negativism around these posts. He did the right thing and he did it big time. Who will fill the void - time will tell - but Wahba will be missed. Physician Colleague 2024-08-15 18:26:30 Sameh was the best doctor out there. I wouldn't pay to much attention to the critics. If you can't say something good don't say anything at all. Whenever we had anyone who need Xanax, Suboxone, Adderall, etc. Sameh was the guy to go to. He was hands down the best. I fill like he had a few run ins from his patients but with some many clients its hard not to have these kind of wahoos criticizing you. I heard he is down in Florida having fun but I really missed him. BTW, don't believe everything you read. Post your own comment here: Name (public) Email (private) Your Comment
© CCHR International, 6616 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 800-869-2247, 323-467-4242, FAX 323-467-3720 [email protected]