Iowa doctor loses license after California sex abuse allegations with young patients
State regulators have revoked the medical license of a former Iowa physician who surrendered his California license amid allegations of inappropriate conduct with juvenile female patients, including removing their underwear without proper medical justification.
The Iowa Board of Medicine recently concluded that Dr. Najeeb Khalil Ahmed Ansari violated standards of practice through his actions in California and failed to report disciplinary action to Iowa authorities as required. The board also said Ansari did not cooperate with its investigation.
Ansari, who worked as a pediatrician at Ottumwa Regional Health Center while licensed in Iowa, first received his Iowa medical license in December 2019. That license expired in January 2022.
What did the California medical board allege?
Records from the Medical Board of California show that in 2023, Ansari was charged with incompetence and negligence. The board alleged that at least seven girls, all between the ages of 11 and 17, complained about his conduct during patient exams at Fresno's Clinica Sierra Vista Elm Avenue Women's & Pediatric Clinic in October 2020.
According to the board, Ansari removed some of the patients' underwear for them before performing genital exams. In one case involving a 15-year-old girl, the board alleged that when she removed her underwear slowly, Ansari took over and stripped them off. A similar incident was reported with another 15-year-old patient.
Ansari agreed to surrender his California physician and surgeon license after the board alleged his behavior violated the standard of care and was evidence of incompetence and gross negligence. As part of a settlement, he agreed to pay the board $131,000 to offset investigation costs before his California license could be reinstated.
How did the Iowa Board of Medicine respond?
The Iowa board charged Ansari with violating the laws or rules governing medical practice in another state, failure to report disciplinary action, and failure to respond to a board investigation. The board revoked his Iowa license after concluding he violated standards through his California actions.
The board also alleged Ansari did not respond to letters and calls from its investigators over the past 10 months.
What is the status of the civil lawsuit?
Currently, Ansari is being sued by his malpractice insurance provider, ProAssurance Specialty Insurance. The company alleges that Clinica Sierra Vista fired Ansari in October 2020 after accusing him of sexually abusing multiple pediatric patients.
The lawsuit seeks a court declaration that the insurer is not obligated to defend Ansari from legal claims filed by one of the teenaged patients and by the clinic. The insurer cites a coverage exemption indicating sexual abuse of a minor does not constitute a covered incident arising out of professional medical services.
Court records show Ansari, believed to be residing in Florida or California, has not filed a response in the six months since the lawsuit was initiated. On June 29, 2026, a federal judge ordered that unless Ansari files a response by early August, a default judgment will be entered against him.
Why does this matter for Iowa families?
This case highlights the importance of medical board oversight and accountability for physicians who cross state lines. Iowa parents rely on the state's licensing system to ensure doctors practicing in Iowa meet high standards of care and conduct.
The Iowa Capital Dispatch was unable to reach Ansari for comment.
Photo: Yahoo