Dr Roxy Plastic Surgery in Powell, Ohio, operated by Dr Katharine Roxanne Grawe, gained fame through her active presence on TikTok and Instagram, sharing surgical videos and live streams. However, her online activities triggered investigations resulting in the permanent revocation of her medical license by Ohio’s State Medical Board.
The clinic provided cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tucks, and Brazilian Butt Lifts. With over 100,000 Instagram followers, Dr Grawe aimed to educate viewers about cosmetic surgery but faced concerns about patient privacy and unprofessional social media content. Further scrutiny emerged from complications experienced by patients at the clinic during procedures.
During the Ohio medical board’s proceedings, the state’s attorney emphasized the trust patients had placed in Dr Roxy due to her significant presence on social media. The attorney argued that Grawe’s actions trivialized major surgeries with life-altering complications, presenting them as lighthearted affairs. The revocation of her license signifies the seriousness of the situation and the potential harm caused by her actions.
Before the board’s decision, Dr Grawe had the opportunity to address the accusations against her. She pleaded for fair consideration, acknowledging the impact her social media content had on her patients and colleagues. Grawe recognized that her videos may have appeared unprofessional and expressed remorse while gaining a newfound understanding of the medical board’s expectations.
Jonathan B. Feibel, the vice president of the medical board, criticized Dr Roxy for her recklessness and disregard for professional rules and regulations. Prior to her license suspension, the board’s secretary had cautioned her multiple times about patient privacy concerns when sharing content on social media. Despite being advised to undergo remedial education courses related to plastic surgery complications, professionalism, and ethics, Grawe continued to livestream medical procedures. This dismissive attitude towards complaints and patient safety ultimately led to the suspension of her license.
The medical board cited several instances where patients reported complications after undergoing surgery at Dr Roxy’s practice, Roxy Plastic Surgery. One particular case involved a patient who experienced complications shortly after undergoing liposuction, a Brazilian butt lift, and a skin-tightening procedure. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy, a condition caused by a damaged liver’s inability to remove toxins, along with a perforated bowel and a severe bacterial infection. The consequences for the patient were severe, requiring additional surgeries and an extended hospital stay.
The medical board highlighted that at least one of these procedures had been live-streamed on social media, with Dr Grawe actively engaging with the camera while performing liposuction. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ethical responsibilities that professionals, especially those in the medical field, must uphold. While social media can be a powerful tool for communication and education, it must be used responsibly, respecting patient privacy and safety.
As the dust settles on this controversy, it is crucial for healthcare professionals and influencers alike to reflect on the lessons learned from Dr Roxy’s case. The boundaries between personal and professional lives on social media must be carefully navigated, with an understanding of the potential consequences that may arise from unprofessional behaviour. By upholding ethical guidelines and prioritizing patient well-being, healthcare professionals can ensure that the trust placed in them remains unshaken.
The permanent revocation of Dr Roxy Grawe’s medical license by the State Medical Board of Ohio serves as a resounding message about the importance of maintaining professional standards both online and offline. It underscores the need for healthcare professionals to uphold ethical responsibilities and prioritize patient safety, even in the age of social media. Dr Roxy’s case should serve as a cautionary tale, prompting a thoughtful examination of the potential consequences of unprofessional behaviour and the importance of maintaining trust in the medical profession.
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