Army Investigates Fort Hood OBGYN Accused of Patient Sexual Exploitation

Allegations Against Major Blaine McGrath

• 🎯 An Army doctor, Major Blaine McGrath, practicing as an OBGYN at Fort Hood, Texas, is accused in a lawsuit of sexually exploiting, manipulating female patients, and secretly recording them without permission.
• ⚠️ One patient reported that during a pregnancy appointment for a sinus infection, McGrath sexually abused her and laughed when she told him to stop.
• 📈 The Army has contacted over 1,400 patients of Major McGrath as part of a snowballing investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation.

Scope and History of Allegations

• 🗺️ The lawsuit alleges that McGrath's misconduct dates back beyond his time at Fort Hood, with similar allegations surfacing from his previous station at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii.
• ⚖️ Currently, McGrath is under internal investigation by the Army's Criminal Investigation Division, but no criminal charges have been filed yet.
• 📹 Compelling evidence, including videos of pelvic examinations found on his cell phone, has been presented.

Patient Experiences and Army Response

• 💬 Patients report experiencing bizarre interactions, including off-color comments during exams and after-hours phone calls that veered from professional topics.
• 📞 One patient stated she was brushed aside when trying to report the abuse, calling the hospital seven times and being told to send an email.
• 🤝 The Army claims it is offering counseling to patients as they reach out, but some women dispute this, with one stating she did not receive adequate psychological care.

Fort Hood's History with Sexual Assault Reports

• 🚨 This case echoes the 2020 reckoning at Fort Hood following the disappearance and murder of Vanessa Guillen, which highlighted issues of sexual harassment and assault in the military.
• 📜 Changes were made in 2021, including moving sexual harassment reports outside of the chain of command to prevent unit leaders from handling complaints from subordinates.
• 🚫 Major McGrath has been suspended from practice within hours of the complaint that initiated this investigation.