Psychiatrist accused of misconduct - Arthur Schramm's license at risk due to alleged sex photos of patients, more.

As seen in the Dayton Daily News

A longtime local psychiatrist could lose his medical license Wednesday on allegations he took sexually suggestive photos of patients, prescribed painkillers to an admitted heroin addict and committed other acts of "professional misconduct and neglect."

The case before the State Medical Board of Ohio surrounding Dr. Arthur R. Schramm, 68, involves three patients, at least two of them exotic dancers he befriended at local strip clubs, according to medical board records.

Acting on a complaint, a board investigation found Schramm entered into doctor-patient relationships with the two dancers in 2004 after establishing personal relationships that included lap dances, taking sexually suggestive photos of the women and hiring one for help at his Brookville home and for clerical duties in his office at 130 W. Second St. in Dayton.

The board also says Schramm:

• Continued to hire at least one of the dancers for lap dances after he became her doctor.

• Prescribed painkillers and other drugs that could have triggered a relapse or worsened the addictions of drug-addicted patients.

• Failed to properly treat the patients for various mental and physical maladies.

• Failed to report one household to Children's Services despite an 8-month-old boy living there with parents who were addicted to heroin and cocaine.

"The hearing examiner has proposed permanent revocation of Dr. Schramm's license," medical board spokeswoman Joan Wehrle said.

Schramm, a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry, could not be reached for comment. He has practiced in Dayton for nearly 40 years with no previous trouble with the medical board.

"Dr. Schramm has made some mistakes recently and the state is overreacting in seeking to permanently revoke his medical license," his attorney, Todd Morman, said.

According to the medical board's report, Schramm is semi-retired, holds no hospital staff privileges and sees about 1,400 patients a year. In 2003, prior to meeting the dancers, he experienced a stroke, hip replacement and the death of his wife.

"I felt that I was able to keep a close eye on what was happening between me and the patient, and a few things went further than they should, I think," he told board officials.