Neurologist Stripped Of His License

Randy Rozek • June 20, 2014

Dr. Jonathan L. Fellus, a neurologist in New Jersey, allegedly had a sexual relationship with a patient after diagnosing her with a mild traumatic brain injury. The New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners has stripped Fellus of his license.

Fellus had sex with the patient while she was under his care and treatment at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. According to records, he was the director of brain injury services at the time of the incident.

“The facts clearly show that Dr. Fellus engaged in a relationship with this patient, even though he knew or should have known she was suffering a diagnosed cognitive disorder and was physically debilitated by injuries she suffered in a car accident,” Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said in a statement. (Wigglesworth, 2014).

The patient suffered injuries from the accident in February 2008 and shortly after was referred to Fellus the following August. Allegedly Fellus and the patient started a relationship shortly after her first consultation that included sexual activity in the examination rooms in the center. Fellus diagnosed her with a mild traumatic brain injury and a psychologist at the center also felt that she was suffering from neurocognitive dysfunction and post-concussive syndrome as well. Fellus stopped the relationship the following March.

As soon as his behavior was confirmed, the center reported it to the state Board of Examiners. He then resigned from the center in 2011 after being placed on administrative leave. He went to work in a private practice and was also listed as the chief medical officer for the International Brain Research Foundation until his license was stripped.

The state board revoked Fellus’ license this past Wednesday after determining that his conduct included gross malpractice and professional misconduct. He has been fined and is required to transfer current patients to new physicians within 30 days.

Fellus will be allowed to reapply for his license in three years after the completion of psychotherapy and a board approved personal ethics class.