Tel Aviv Hospital Conceals Indictment Against Pediatrician Accused of Sexual Misconduct
Dr. Leonid Zeitlin, a pediatrician at Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital, faces charges of indecent acts against a former patient who was also a hospital employee. Despite the indictment, Ichilov Hospital has refrained from publicly disclosing the charges. Patients with canceled appointments were told that Dr. Zeitlin is abroad, while hospital staff have avoided providing clear information about his absence.
Recently, a woman who was a patient of Dr. Zeitlin during her childhood contacted the Ministry of Health regarding his case. About ten days ago, an additional police complaint was revealed against him. Dr. Zeitlin has requested to postpone a disciplinary hearing concerning his medical license and has committed not to practice medicine for at least the next month. He denies all allegations, with his lawyer Sharon Nahari stating that he intends to fight for his innocence and professional license.
Riki Weiss, head of support and investigations at the Magen Assistance Center, criticized the hospital's lack of transparency, emphasizing the public's right to full disclosure when a senior doctor is suspended due to sexual offense charges. She highlighted that withholding such critical information undermines patients' and parents' ability to make informed decisions about their children's health and safety.
Ichilov Hospital responded that Dr. Zeitlin is currently on leave pending the Ministry of Health's decision regarding his license suspension and the ongoing legal process. The hospital stated it has contacted all of Dr. Zeitlin's patients, informing them of his leave and offering alternative doctors to ensure continuity of care. The Ministry of Health confirmed it is reviewing whether to suspend or restrict Dr. Zeitlin's medical license and pledged to update the public transparently.
This case follows a recent report of another complaint against a pediatrician accused of sexual offenses, underscoring ongoing concerns about patient safety and professional accountability in Israeli healthcare.
