Respected Cleveland Clinic doctor is fired after being accused of sexually assaulting patients

Omar Massoud a doctor within the Cleveland Clinic hospital system has been fired and is currently facing charges related to sexual assault and kidnapping of patients

Dr. Massoud, 66, the former Chief of Hepatology is facing three counts of gross sexual imposition and three counts of kidnapping 

The alleged three incidents of assault took place during exams in March and November, 2022

In a statement, Cleveland Clinic officials said they immediately reported the accusations and terminated the doctor’s appointment after an internal investigation

If found guilty, Massoud faces nine to 36 months in jail, and may also face up to five years of probation plus sex offender registration

A well-respected doctor within the Cleveland Clinic hospital system has been fired after he was accused of sexually assaulting patients. 
Former chief of hepatology at Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Omar Massoud, was arrested Tuesday, and charged Friday with three counts of gross sexual imposition and three counts of kidnapping. 
Court documents allege the 66-year-old doctor fondled three patients during separate incidents dating back to spring of this year. 
All of the assaults occurred during exams performed by the doctor, according to local officials. 

The first assault allegedly, took place on March 25 at the Cleveland Clinic’s main campus location just outside of the downtown area. 
The second incident allegedly, occurred on November 11, with the third happening on November 28, also at the hospital system’s primary location. 
In a statement, Cleveland Clinic officials said they took immediate action upon learning about the accusations from patients. 
‘Cleveland Clinic is strongly committed to protecting the rights and safety of our patients, visitors and caregivers from any type of inappropriate behavior.
‘We have processes for employees and patients to report any concerns, which are then thoroughly investigated. We immediately reported the accusations to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and are fully cooperating with the investigations. 
‘Following a thorough internal investigation, this physician has been terminated. We care deeply about patient safety and any form of misconduct is not tolerated.’ 

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the digestive system.  Dr. Massoud is a gastroenterologist, specializing in adult gastroenterology, according to his biography on HealthLine. 
Massoud is also the former chief of hepatology for the Cleveland Clinic and has more than 20 years of experience in the medical field.
Public records indicate the doctor has professional medical licenses in multiple states including Ohio, Alabama, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
In Ohio, third-degree felonies like the ones Massoud is charged with carry sentences typically ranging from nine to 36 months. 
If found guilty, Massoud may also face up to five years of probation plus sex offender registration. 
The investigation remains ongoing at this time.