Kurt Donsbach

Kurt Walter Donsbach (born c. 1936) is an unlicensed chiropractor[1] and a controversial alternative medicine figure who has twice been convicted of practicing medicine without a license. He has faced charges of misbranding drugs for sale, grand theft, unlawfully dispensing drugs as a cure for cancer, and falsely representing a cure for cancer.[2][3]

Background

Donsbach was the founder of Hospital Santa Monica in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico. Following the death of Coretta Scott King while under treatment at the clinic in January 2006, the facility was shut down by Mexican health officials.[4]

In 1971 Donsbach was convicted of practicing medicine without a license in California after undercover agents observed him prescribing unproven remedies to patients while claiming to be a medical doctor. Many of the remedies were only available from Westpro Labs, a company operated by Donsbach. He pleaded guilty and received a fine and two years' summary probation.[5]

On April 9, 2009, Donsbach was arrested during his Internet radio health show and charged with 11 felony counts, including dispensing unapproved drugs.[6] Prosecutors also charged Donsbach with offering neuropeptides to his patients. These drugs contained nimesulide, which have been banned in Europe because they cause high rates of liver failure and have resulted in some deaths.[7] In January 2010, a San Diego judge ruled there was enough evidence for the case against Donsbach to proceed to trial. Donsbach faced up to 12 years and eight months if convicted.[8] The case ended with a plea deal with Donsbach facing up to a year in jail, followed by probation.[9]

On December 13, 2010, Donsbach pleaded guilty to 13 additional felony charges, including practicing medicine without a license and selling misbranded drugs.[9]

Donsbach's activities have repeatedly been criticized by Dr. Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch.[10][11]

References

  1. ↑ "Dr. Donsbach". Hospital Santa Monica. Retrieved 2007-05-12.
  2. ↑ District Attorney Says Bonita Man Is A Bogus Doctor, San Diego 6 News
  3. ↑ Kurt Donsbach Arrested Again
  4. ↑ McKinley, James C., Jr. (2006-02-06). "Mexico Closes Alternative Care Clinic Where Mrs. King Died". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-05-12.
  5. ↑ Stephen Barrett, MD. "Kurt Donsbach Convicted of Practicing Medicine without a License". Casewatch. Retrieved 2007-02-12.
  6. ↑ Martinez A. Phony doctor accused of preying on vulnerable patients. San Diego Union Tribune April 10, 2009
  7. ↑ Man Charged With Practicing Medicine Without License, April 13, 2009 San Diego 10 News.com
  8. ↑ Bonita doctor charged with felonies
  9. 1 2 Bonita Man Pleads Guilty To Posing As Doctor. Kurt Donsbach, 75, Faces Up To Year In Jail, 13 Dec. 2010, San Diego 10 News.com
  10. ↑ Stephen Barrett, MD. "The Shady Activities of Kurt Donsbach". Quackwatch. Retrieved 2007-02-12.
  11. ↑ Stephen Barrett, MD. "Some Notes on Donsbach University". Quackwatch. Retrieved 2007-02-12.

External links

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