Los Angeles' district attorney announced Monday that a man has been charged with practicing medicine on thousands of people, including cancer patients, while pretending to be a doctor.
In North Hollywood, Pathways Medical, owned and operated by Stephan Gevorkian, 44, a resident of Studio City, offers services such as blood tests and medical advice and treatment for cancer patients, viral infections, and other serious conditions. Gevorkian faces five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon.
In November, an undercover investigator met with the suspect for a consultation. Gevorkian failed to address abnormal levels of hormones that could indicate a serious medical condition, according to the district attorney.
According to Gascon, practicing medicine without a license is not only a criminal offense but can also endanger the health of unsuspecting patients, some of whom are suffering from serious illnesses, who believe they are under the care of a licensed physician.
In the case of Gevorkian, the district attorney has scheduled a preliminary hearing for May 24, and is urging anyone "who believes they may have been victims of this case to contact the Consumer Protection hotline at (213) 257-2465." The case, filed for a warrant on Wednesday, accuses Gevorkian of practicing medicine for several years on thousands of people.