The North Dakota State Board of Medical Examiners has issued an emergency suspension of a Fargo plastic surgeon's medical license after the group determined the doctor had alcohol in his system while on the job.
William Yvorchuk, M.D., an independent Fargo plastic surgeon, was about to perform surgery on March 5 when the medical staff at the PSI Surgical Center of Fargo observed that Yvorchuk appeared impaired, according to a release sent out today by the Board.
Other physicians were called to observe Yvorchuk, and after evaluating him, agreed there was an apparent impairment, the release says.
According to Duane Houdek, executive secretary of the Board of Medical Examiners, Yvorchuk's blood alcohol level was later determined to be .351.
It also was determined that he had performed two surgeries earlier in the day.
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"Dr. Yvorchuk's conduct creates a significant risk of serious and ongoing harm to the public", Houdek said, "and for that reason, the Board immediately suspended his license to practice medicine in North Dakota on an emergency basis. The Board will now complete its investigation, and Dr. Yvorchuk will be prosecuted under the medical licensure laws of the state."
The Board made its determination at a meeting Friday in Bismarck.
A hearing in the case has been scheduled for April 9, at which time evidence will be presented that will determine the permanent action.
