On April 18, Sarasota Police arrested Dr. Stephen Feig, the medical director of the Brain Wave Center, located at 640 S. Washington Blvd. in Sarasota, FL. Dr. Feig was charged with sexual battery after two complaints were made in the last two years. Feig, 66, has been a licensed Osteopathic physician in Florida since 2008. Dr. Feig’s trial is scheduled to begin in May 2025.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the Sarasota police began their investigation on Dr. Feig after a woman reported she was sexually assaulted during an office visit for sexual trauma in December of 2023. The woman claimed that her sister started going to the Brain Wave Center in October 2023 and recommended that she see Dr. Feig. During her appointment in December, the woman recalls being in a room with Dr. Feig, but he then moved her to another exam room to take her blood pressure. Dr. Feig instructed her to remove all her clothing and put on a paper gown that he provided. After taking her blood pressure, he had her lay on the exam table with her knees up. Dr. Feig began to press on her abdomen, but then claimed the paper gown was in the way and placed his hands underneath the gown. Dr. Feig continue to press on the lower abdomen, touching near the vagina. Feig then lifted the paper gown, exposing her entire lower body. The patient froze and began to feel uncomfortable as the doctor stared down between her legs. Dr. Feig allegedly then ripped the shoulder strap of the paper gown and began to feel that side of the patient’s breast. Doctor Feig never informed the patient of what he was going to do during the examination, and she did not receive any explanation as to why Dr. Feig examined her in that manner. The victim left the room and informed other staff members of what had happened, asking why there was no female present. When she got home, the woman asked her sister if he performed the same type of treatment, and she replied no.
When questioned by the Sarasota police, Dr. Fagg denied the allegations and stated that he had spoken with the patient for approximately 20 minutes in the consultation room and then brought her to the exam room to take her blood pressure. He claims that he handed her a gown and instructed her to take her clothes off, and that he would re-enter the room in five minutes. Dr. Feig claims he did a standard exam. He alleged that he only looked in her ears, eyes, mouth and checked her neck and thyroid for lymph nodes. He claims he checked under her arms and belly, and that was it. The Sarasota investigators reviewed the medical records from the Brain Wave Center, which contained conflicting statements with Dr. Feig’s report.
According to media reports, the newest complaint against Dr. Feig was by a 21-year-old female victim who reported that the 66-year-old physician sexually assaulted her. The victim claims that during her treatment, at least 14 appointments took place outside the Brain Wave Center, including some appointments at his nearby apartment on Hillview Street. Her first exercise was to repeat over and over to herself that she “could trust Dr. Feig” after starting the session by saying she had been raped in high school. She claims Dr. Feig told her that he would need to meet with her outside of the office to continue treatment. During visits to his apartment, the victim told police that Feig would get close to her and touch her to get her used to physical touch again. He said it was part of the treatment plan.
The “treatments” escalated to Feig telling the victim she would need to have an intimate relationship with him. He wanted her to also reenact the night she was raped with him before he inserted a finger inside of her vagina against her will. Feig denied this allegation to detectives.
According to media reports, the center’s website says Feig specializes in non-drug holisitc treatments for ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD. He has extensive experience working with difficult-to-treat medical conditions, including chronic fatigue and functional gastrointestinal disorders. The Brain Wave Center’s website is currently down.
Finding the right medical provider can be a challenging task. We seek seasoned professionals who possess excellent bedside manner and empathy. When patients finally decide on one, they hope to feel better over time and not be violated by the very person with whom we place our trust. Healthcare providers hold a position of power in the physician-patient relationship. It is both unacceptable and unlawful for a healthcare professional to touch a patient in any sexual manner or practice any sexual misconduct while treating the patient.
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual misconduct claims against medical professionals on behalf of patients who were inappropriately touched in their care. Under no circumstances is a doctor or nurse permitted to have sexual contact with a patient. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery at a medical office or facility, or if you know someone who has, please get in touch with our law firm at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com for a free consultation.