Michael Clarke is said to have hit patients so hard there were marks left on their backsides.
He’s also accused of calling the sedated patients dirty names, and talking about “graphic” sex acts with others in the operating room during procedures.
The Syracuse Post-Standard points out Clarke isn't named in a federal report, but other complaints filed at the same time with the New York Health Department matches up.
Eleven people reported the doctor, one reported he would “almost wind up,” before slapping a patient.
It’s possible that action could also be taken against St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center in Syracuse for ignoring his antics.
The report refers to Clarke as “Physician #1.”
It states that “'Physician #1," claimed he only slapped patients to check on their spinal anesthesia.
Even so, it adds, “all 11 staff indicated they had never seen another physician use the slap method to check the adequacy of a spinal and that Physician #1 did not slap all hip replacement patients.”
The case may result in legal action. The Onondaga County District Attorney's office says they will investigate for any criminal conduct.
Clarke's lawyer said his client denies doing anything wrong but wouldn’t comment further.