Tulsa Surgeon Accused Of Negligence, Incompetence, And Fraud Keeps License

The Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision approved an agreement Thursday that will allow a Tulsa surgeon who is accused of negligence, incompetence and fraud to keep his license.

A complaint against Dr. Steven C. Anagnost, who specializes in orthopedic surgery, lists 23 patients who had complications after he performed surgery on them.

Two patients were paralyzed, and one patient subsequently died, according to the complaint by the medical board. Anagnost’s case has been pending before the board for more than three years.

The vote to accept the agreement was 4-3, with Deborah Huff, Riaz Sirajuddin, Lee Scheoffler and Hank Ross voting for it and G. David Casper, J. Andy Sullivan and Chuck Skillings voting no.

As part of the agreement, Anagnost will be required to complete continuing medical education and pay a fine. He has agreed not to practice until completing a spine fellowship.

The details of the agreement were not immediately made public, but Lyle Kelsey, executive director of the medical board, issued a statement Thursday evening, saying that “while the outcome of this particular case is not ideal, considering all factors, the board believes their mission to protect and serve the public was fully upheld with the settlement reached, which includes a monetary fine and costs and requires Dr. Anagnost to successfully complete a nationally recognized spine fellowship program.”

Anagnost told the Tulsa World that allegations against him were made by competitors in the Tulsa area who were threatened by his success using a new type of surgery.

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