Tacoma physician accused of sexual misconduct with patient is reinstated

The state has lifted restrictions on the license of a Tacoma physician accused of having a sexual relationship with a patient and placed him on three years of probation.

John Gillman’s license was temporarily restricted in July by the state Department of Health after allegations were brought forward that he groomed a patient “for his own sexual gratification,” documents state.

Gillman treated the victim 36 times between March 2013 and September 2014 at the clinic where he works, which treats people injured on the job.

The physician made inappropriate comments about her undergarments while treating her, kissed her in the clinic, engaged in a sexual relationship for several months and bought the victim gifts such as a nude portrait and a book of love poems, according to state documents.

After a hearing earlier this month, the state Medical Commission decided to reinstate Gillman’s license and place him on a minimum of three years of probation.

Gillman also must complete an ethics course, have a female chaperone present when he examines female patients and maintain a patient log, among other things.

Gillman received his physician’s license in February 2012.

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 11:06 AM with the headline "Tacoma physician accused of sexual misconduct with patient is reinstated."