Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: April 7, 2008 

Director of Health Suspends Medical License of Providence Physician

Today the Director of Health, David R. Gifford, MD, MPH summarily suspended the license of Tarek W. Wehbe, M.D., of Renaissance Medical Group, 790 North Main Street, Providence, for presenting an immediate danger to the public’s health and safety.  See http://www.health.ri.gov/hsr/bmld/actions/wehbe_tarek.pdf for the summary suspension document.

Dr. Wehbe has been the subject of a complex multi-jurisdictional state and federal investigation relating to allegations of healthcare fraud and medical negligence. The Director of Health has determined that Dr. Wehbe should not currently continue in the practice of medicine.

Of particular concern was the care of a small group of patients with cancer who may not have received appropriate doses of chemotherapy in the doctor’s office. These patients have been identified and are being notified by HEALTH. HEALTH clinicians will be talking with these patients’ current treating physicians to discuss the implications, if any, for their ongoing treatment. All other medical patients of Dr. Wehbe may elect to be seen by other physicians still practicing at Renaissance Medical Group or may choose to transfer their care to another practice.

Patients with questions can call the Department of Health Information Line at 1-800-942-7434, which operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.