Before coming to the University of Wisconsin, John Siebert, a plastic surgeon and endowed chair, had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a female patient in New York.

Siebert had a sexual relationship with a female patient from 2006-08 in New York, which resulted in the suspension of his medical license in the state for three years. Moreover, Siebert must have a chaperone in the room when examining female patients, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In 2011,  UW hired Siebert full-time.

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The Journal Sentinel’s report poses larger questions about how the state licensing system affects patients and protects physicians. In Wisconsin, the annual average rate of discipline against doctors by boards which regulate physicians is 4.4 actions per 1000 doctors.

In 2013, the New York State Board of Professional Medical Conduct charged Siebert with committing “professional misconduct” and “moral unfitness to practice.”

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At UW Health, Siebert must follow the same chaperone rules, UW Health spokesperson Lisa Brunette said in a statement sent to The Badger Herald. He has also been transparent here at UW with regards to his situation and his past.

“[Siebert] is a world-class surgeon who has a worldwide base of patients, including children with severe facial deformities,” Brunette said. “He has provided invaluable care to patients and high-quality research and education to medical students, residents and fellows.”