NOTE: Elements of this report may be considered graphic.
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – State health officials have suspended the medical license of a local pediatrician following numerous reports of misconduct.
Dr. Dalton Renick’s behavior over the past three years is described as “sexual and disruptive” in a report by the Virginia Department of Health Professions (VDHP).
Among the allegations are claims that Renick used inappropriate and offensive language in the presence of patients, including children. He is accused of making sexually explicit comments about newborns, comparing medical procedures to sexual acts, and making racist and derogatory remarks about patients’ appearances. Click here for a more detailed list.
When confronted about his behavior, Renick reportedly claimed his comments were meant as jokes and that his sense of humor was misunderstood. He also admitted to making disturbing comments about wanting to have sex with newborns, telling his superiors in a meeting that “when you love something so much, you just want to f— it,” according to the report. Dr. Renick’s attorney, Michael Goodman, addressed the situation, describing it as a difficult period for his client.
Goodman stated, “The hearing before the Board of Medicine has been continued to provide us time to engage with Dr. Renick and decide how best to proceed with the Board. Dr. Renick is surprised, hurt and disappointed by the accusations and allegations that have arisen since his suspension. He intends to do whatever is necessary to return to active practice and continue caring for the many patients he misses during this unfortunate hiatus.” Renick was voted a top pediatrician in The Roanoker in 2023. Renick worked at Carilion Clinic before being fired this past February. He recently worked at New Beginnings Pediatrics in Blacksburg, which announced it fired Renick after learning of the allegations.
Carilion Clinic released the following statement to WDBJ:
“The claims contained in the BOM Notice of Hearing are concerning to us, and we take such allegations very seriously. While we can confirm that Dr. Renick’s employment was terminated on February 8, 2024, at the conclusion of a confidential employment investigation, we are unable to provide any comments or details regarding this personnel matter. We continue to cooperate with the Board of Medicine as they investigate this matter.”
New Beginnings Pediatrics also released a statement online Saturday saying:
“On August 22, we were made aware of concerning allegations against Dr. Dalton Renick. This information was not accessible to the public, including us, until then, and we have responded as quickly as possible. As a result, effective immediately, Dr. Renick is no longer employed by or associated with New Beginnings Pediatrics. While we have not received any complaints at New Beginnings, we are taking this seriously and will cooperate with the investigation as needed. He will no longer be seeing any of our patients. We remain committed to providing the best care possible to our families and will protect our patients and their families at all costs.”
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