On February 17, 2021, the Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) issued an Order of Emergency Restriction of Dr. Aunali Khaku’s medical license prohibiting the Orlando neurologist from practicing on female patents following allegations of sexual assault at his primary practice located at 392 Rinehart Rd, Suite 3040 in Lake Mary, Florida. Dr. Aunali Khaku was employed as an Associate professor of Neurology at the University of Central Florida. He is a neurologist at Orlando Health in Lake Mary and Orlando and holds hospital privileges at South Seminole Hospital and Orlando Regional Medical Center. He was first licensed in Florida in 2012.
According to the Florida Department of Health, in November 2020, a 69-year-old woman scheduled an appointment with Dr. Khaku for medical treatment regarding a cyst in her brain, severe migraines, and high blood pressure. Dr. Khaku was alone with patient in the examination room. Khaku proceeded to examine the patient’s neck and then asked her to lift her skirt. He then allegedly began massaging her buttocks while she was face down on the table. He then told her to sit back up because he heard someone coming. He then walked around her and reportedly began rubbing her breasts. The patient froze and felt nervous. Dr. Khaku then told her that he has never done this before and that his wife granted him permission to seek sexual gratification elsewhere. Dr. Khaku allegedly propositioned his patient to have sex, to which she said no. The patient expressed her dismay and that she was extremely uncomfortable. According to the Emergency Order, Dr. Khaku then told her to keep this between them only. He then directed her attention to his erect penis under his scrubs, and patient left the room.
According to the Order, the Surgeon General deemed Dr. Khaku’s misconduct as a blatant violation of his patient. The move to restrict his practice on females was swift as he poses a “serious danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the patient’s under his care” according to the Order.
It is rarely pleasant going to a doctor, but when we do, we should be able to feel confident they’ll help us to feel better, not violate us. We seek out seasoned medical professionals who possess a good bedside manner, compassion and empathy. We believe the doctors and nurses at the office are carefully vetted, trustworthy and safe. It is unacceptable for any healthcare professional, including a doctor, to touch a patient in any sexual manner.
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 contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at [email protected] for a free consultation.