More than 200 former patients have filed lawsuits against Dr. Derrick Todd, a former rheumatologist, over allegations that he sexually abused them during medical exams. The lawsuits claim that hospital administrators failed to act on any of these complaints, which allowed Todd to continue practicing medicine and abusing patients despite multiple reports of sexual abuse against him.
Why This Case Matters
When a trusted doctor allegedly exploits that trust by preying on patients, it's more than a personal violation—it's a systemic failure. Dr. Derrick Todd, a once-respected rheumatologist affiliated with multiple well-respected hospitals, now stands accused by over 200 individuals of sexual misconduct under the guise of medical examinations. This case—considering the number of patients involved and the many other cases involving medical sexual abuse—shines a glaring spotlight on the vulnerabilities within our healthcare system and the serious need for rigorous oversight to protect patients from this kind of predatory behavior.
Who is Dr. Derrick Todd?
Dr. Derrick Todd built his career as a specialist in rheumatology, focusing on diseases affecting joints, muscles, and bones. His affiliations with prestigious institutions like Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and Charles River Medical Associates in Framingham lent him some credibility and trustworthiness. Patients sought his expertise for conditions like arthritis and autoimmune disorders, expecting professional and ethical care.
However, beneath his veneer of professionalism, allegations suggest a disturbing pattern of behavior. Starting around 2010, Dr. Todd is accused of taking advantage of his patients by performing unnecessary and invasive procedures, including pelvic floor therapy, breast examinations, testicular examinations, and rectal examinations; all these patients had no medical need for these procedures. These alleged abuses have led to a flood of lawsuits and serious scrutiny of the medical community.
What Hospitals Did Dr. Derrick Todd Work At?
Dr. Derrick Todd, a rheumatologist now facing numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, has been employed at several major medical institutions with generally excellent reputations throughout his career:
- Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts: Dr. Todd served as Chief of Clinical Rheumatology from July 2009 until his resignation in July 2023.
- Charles River Medical Associates in Framingham, Massachusetts: He practiced here between August 2010 and July 2023.
- Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts: Dr. Todd was affiliated with this institution from July 2006 to June 2009.
- Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts: He completed a fellowship at this hospital from July 2003 to June 2005.
Additionally, Dr. Todd was an instructor at Harvard Medical School from 2009 to 2023. His time at these hospitals and schools is obviously under scrutiny now due to the allegations against him. With so many victims, it will take a lot of work to gather all the files, investigate everything, and look for other potential problems.
Allegations of Sexual Abuse Against Dr. Todd
How Many Victims Have Come Forward?
As of early 2025, more than 200 women and several men have stepped forward, alleging that Dr. Todd subjected them to inappropriate and non-consensual examinations. These individuals, ranging from teenagers to those in their 60s, describe a consistent pattern of misconduct that has left many grappling with feelings of violation and betrayal.
One such victim, Kristin Fritz, recounted her experience from over a decade ago when she sought treatment for spinal pain. She described an encounter where Dr. Todd aggressively groped her breasts during an examination, an act she now recognizes as a violation.
"I feel so violated," she shared. "I feel so ashamed of myself for not knowing better in the moment to do anything and to be like, yeah, this did feel wrong and I should tell somebody."
The Lawsuits Against Dr. Todd, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Charles River Medical Associates
The legal ramifications of these allegations are extensive, encompassing both civil and criminal proceedings:
Civil Lawsuits
A consolidated lawsuit filed in Massachusetts' Suffolk Superior Court brings together the claims of over 200 former patients. The suit alleges that Dr. Todd performed unnecessary and invasive examinations for his own sexual gratification. It also implicates institutions like Brigham and Women's Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates, accusing them of negligence in failing to prevent the abuse despite apparent warning signs.
Criminal Charges
In January 2025, a grand jury in Middlesex County indicted Dr. Todd on two counts of rape stemming from incidents in December 2022 and June 2023. These charges allege that he sexually assaulted female patients during medical examinations that had no legitimate medical purpose. Dr. Todd has pleaded not guilty to these charges and was released on a $10,000 bail, with conditions including the surrender of his passport and medical licenses and an order to avoid contact with the victims.
Key Allegations in the Lawsuits Against Dr. Todd
Sexual Abuse and Misconduct
The core of the allegations centers on Dr. Todd's purported exploitation of his medical position to commit acts of sexual abuse. Patients allege that he conducted invasive examinations without medical justification, often under the pretense of necessary medical care. These actions, if proven, represent a profound abuse of the trust inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.
Unnecessary and Inappropriate Medical Examinations
Many plaintiffs assert that Dr. Todd performed examinations that were not pertinent to their medical complaints. For instance, individuals seeking treatment for joint pain or autoimmune conditions were allegedly subjected to pelvic or rectal exams without clear medical rationale. Such actions not only breach ethical standards but also inflict unnecessary physical and emotional distress on patients.
Medical Malpractice
The allegations extend to claims of medical malpractice, asserting that Dr. Todd's conduct deviated significantly from accepted medical practices. Performing unwarranted examinations without informed consent violates the standard of care that patients are entitled to receive, potentially causing lasting harm.
Negligence
The lawsuits also target the institutions employing Dr. Todd, alleging that they failed in their duty to protect patients. Despite receiving complaints and observing potential red flags, these institutions purportedly allowed Dr. Todd to continue practicing without adequate investigation or intervention, thereby enabling the continuation of his alleged misconduct.
Breach of Duty of Care
Physicians are bound by a duty to act in the best interests of their patients. The allegations suggest that Dr. Todd breached this duty by prioritizing his own illicit desires over the health and well-being of those under his care, resulting in significant harm to patients.
Negligent Hiring, Retention, and Oversight
The implicated institutions face accusations of negligent hiring and retention practices. The lawsuits contend that these organizations failed to conduct proper background checks, ignored warning signs, and inadequately supervised Dr. Todd, thereby facilitating an environment where abuse could occur unchecked.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
Beyond physical violations, the alleged actions have inflicted profound emotional and psychological trauma on victims. Many patients report experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a direct result of their interactions with Dr. Todd.
What Happens Next?
The legal proceedings against Dr. Todd and the associated institutions are ongoing. The criminal case is progressing, with pretrial hearings scheduled in the coming months. Concurrently, the civil lawsuits are in the discovery phase, with plaintiffs seeking justice and compensation for the harms they have endured.
Given the number of victims and the severity of the allegations, these proceedings are expected to be complex and lengthy. The outcomes will likely have significant implications for oversight of the medical community and patient safety protocols within healthcare institutions.
Can Survivors of Dr. Derrick Todd Get Any Compensation?
Yes, survivors may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical and Psychological Treatment Costs: Covering expenses related to ongoing medical care, therapy, and counseling necessitated by the trauma endured.
- Pain and Suffering: Survivors can seek compensation for the emotional, psychological, and physical distress they have endured, like severe anxiety, PTSD, depression, and a lasting fear of medical visits due to the trauma they experienced.
- Punitive Damages: If the court determines that Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates were grossly negligent in handling complaints about Dr. Todd, they could face punitive damages. Punitive damages serve as a financial punishment to hold medical institutions accountable for enabling misconduct and prevent future cases of medical abuse by sending a clear message that negligence will not go unchecked.
Confidential Consultation with a Trusted Medical and Sexual Abuse Attorney
If you or a loved one were treated by Dr. Derrick Todd and believe you experienced inappropriate or unnecessary medical examinations, you may have legal options. You are not alone, and you deserve justice.
Contact Us for a Free, Confidential Case Evaluation
Our legal team specializes in medical sexual abuse cases and has helped survivors fight back against predatory doctors and negligent hospitals. We offer private, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and help you take the next steps toward healing and accountability. Contact us for help today.