Lawyer Says Allegations Against Surgeon Were ‘Personal’

TUMWATER (AP) — The lawyer of a Seattle surgeon whose medical license was suspended says the allegations against his client were from staff with a 'personal agenda.'

According to commission documents, nurses accused Dr. Johnny Delashaw of yelling and cursing at them in the workplace. They say the alleged actions caused them to be afraid to ask the surgeon questions that were necessary to properly care for patients.

Last month, state regulators determined that Delashaw was a threat to public health and safety.

The Seattle Times reports Delashaw's lawyer argued Monday that the nurses' claims are based from last year, and therefore could not be used as evidence to rule the surgeon as a threat this year.

A panel will decide whether to keep Delashaw's license suspended in the next few days.