Plastic surgeon who started procedures live on TikTok banned from practicing medicine in Ohio

In a decisive move, the Ohio Medical Board has permanently revoked the state medical license of plastic surgeon Katharine Grawe, also known as Dr. Roxy, due to her egregious actions of livestreaming surgeries on the social media platform TikTok. The board’s decision effectively bans Grawe from practicing medicine in Ohio ever again.

Grawe, who operated under the name “Roxy Plastic Surgery” and had a significant following on TikTok, came under scrutiny for prioritizing social media attention over patient care. The board found that she neglected her patients by livestreaming their procedures, interacting with the camera, and responding to viewer questions while the surgeries were ongoing.

Despite attempts to contact Grawe and her legal representatives, they have remained silent and unavailable for comment. Currently, her TikTok account is set to private, limiting public access to her controversial content.

This recent action by the medical board is not the first time concerns were raised regarding Grawe’s behavior. As early as 2018, the board had warned her about potential violations of patient privacy and ethical standards. These concerns culminated in a previous suspension of her medical license.

In addition to the ethical violations, the board’s notice detailed three patients who experienced severe complications as a result of Grawe’s surgeries. One patient, whose operation was partially livestreamed on TikTok, suffered a perforated intestine that went undetected for a week. This negligence led to extensive damage and bacterial infections in her abdomen, along with a loss of brain function due to the toxins present in her bloodstream.

The permanent revocation of Grawe’s medical license serves as a clear message from the Ohio Medical Board about the importance of upholding professional standards and prioritizing patient well-being. It underscores the critical need for medical practitioners to maintain the highest levels of ethics and professionalism in their practice.

Patient privacy and safety must always remain paramount, and any breaches of these fundamental principles will be met with severe consequences. The medical board’s decision aims to protect patients from unscrupulous practitioners who prioritize self-promotion and social media engagement over providing quality medical care.

As the public becomes increasingly aware of the potential risks associated with unregulated medical content on social media platforms, it is crucial for regulatory bodies to take swift action to protect patients’ best interests. This case serves as a reminder of the responsibility that healthcare professionals bear in maintaining trust and ensuring the highest standards of care.

Moving forward, it is hoped that this decision will prompt greater scrutiny and regulation of medical content on social media platforms, ensuring that patients receive accurate and reliable information while safeguarding their privacy and well-being.