Johns Hopkins Gynecologist Was Photographing Patients: Police

A Maryland gynecologist who police say secretly photographed and videotaped female patients was found dead at his home on Monday, in what is believed to have been a suicide.  

Dr. Nikita A. Levy, 54, has treated about 1,000 patients over the past 20 years at the East Baltimore Medical Center, a community clinic associated with Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.

According to hospital officials, Dr. Levy was fired earlier this month after a co-worker informed Johns Hopkins security that he had been taking photographs and videos of patients for his own personal use.

Following the discovery of his body at his home, police indicate that they have uncovered a large amount of evidence and estimate that hundreds of women may have been victims. The images were allegedly captured on Levy’s personal photo and video equipment, without the women’s knowledge.

On February 18, Johns Hopkins released an official statement on the incidents, indicating that the hospital was informed about the allegations on February 4 and had its security staff look into it.

“Within a day, we determined that Dr. Levy had been illegally and without our knowledge. photographing his patients and possibly others with his personal photographic and video equipment and storing those images electronically,” the release states. “At that time, in order to protect patient welfare, Dr. Levy was prohibited from any further patient contact.”

Hospital officials indicate that the incident was immediately reported to Baltimore police and Levy was fired on February 8. The hospital also says it informed patients that it would help them reschedule with other healthcare providers. However, patients say the hospital did not inform them of the nature of the allegations against Levy, why he was removed or that they may have been illegally recorded.

As news of the Baltimore gynecologist photographing and videotaping patients spreads through the community, a number of former patients have begun contacting personal injury lawyers to review their legal rights as a result of the invasion of their privacy.

Johns Hopkins has announced that it will conduct a separate investigation into the incident. The hospital has set up a hotline for any of Levy’s patients who may need counseling at 855-546-3785.