Update on Dr. Levy Situation

Dear Colleagues,

Last week was a tremendously difficult week for the Johns Hopkins community as well as for Dr. Nikita Levy's patients, family and friends.

There has been a lot of incorrect information circulating about this issue, particularly regarding the timing on the release of details regarding this case. We want to share with you the sequence of events so you can feel confident that this case was handled quickly and the details were shared as rapidly as law enforcement would allow.  

On Feb. 4, 2013, after being alerted by an employee, our security department at Johns Hopkins initiated an investigation of Dr. Levy, a Hopkins obstetrician/gynecologist. Within a day, we determined that Dr. Levy had been illegally, and without our knowledge, photographing his patients and possibly others with his personal photographic and video equipment and storing those images electronically. On Feb. 5, in order to protect patient welfare, Dr. Levy was prohibited from any further patient contact, and he was quietly escorted off the property. He also was advised to seek counseling services.

Johns Hopkins Security promptly reported this activity to the Baltimore City Police Department which initiated its own investigation and took the matter over. In light of Dr. Levy's activities, which Dr. Levy acknowledged, we ended his employment on February 8 and again offered him counseling services. The police asked us not to disclose the nature of Dr. Levy's activities while they continued their investigation. On Monday, Feb. 11, with the permission of the police, we mailed a letter to Dr. Levy's current patients to let them know that Dr. Levy was no longer practicing with us and to help them reschedule appointments with another provider.

On Monday, Feb. 18, as soon as we learned of Dr. Levy's tragic death, we obtained clearance from the police to release information about Dr. Levy's illegal activities and Dr. Levy's status. That same day, we drafted and then sent a second, more detailed letter to his current patients with the additional details. That letter is now posted on our website.

The Baltimore City Police Department has the evidence collected here at Johns Hopkins and seized by the police at Dr. Levy's home. The Baltimore City Police and their federal partners in the investigation will continue to study the evidence, and for now, anyone who is identifiable in the photos will be contacted directly by the police. Apart from a few individuals who have been notified, we are not aware at this time of the identities of any other people who may have been photographed by Dr. Levy.

Many of us are anxious for answers, and rightfully so. However, it's important to remember that the criminal investigation is still in its beginning stages. While Johns Hopkins Security initiated the investigation and immediately contacted Baltimore City Police, the case is now in the hands of expert investigators. Please be assured that we continue to fully cooperate with them in the ongoing investigation.

Our highest concern is for Dr. Levy's patients. For those who were in his care, we have opened up additional appointments. Patients can continue to contact 855-546-3785 for an appointment or to get information about free counseling. 

As you have most likely noticed, there has been a fair bit of news coverage on this issue, and you might be asked to comment on these disturbing and sad events. Please continue to refer any inquiries from journalists to our media relations office at 410-955-6681 on weekdays and through The Johns Hopkins Hospital operator at 410-955-5000 on evenings and weekends.

We understand how distressing this event is for the entire Johns Hopkins Medicine family, and again, we would like to encourage you to contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program at 443-287-7000 should you need to talk to someone.

We appreciate your patience as we all wait for new developments. Most of all, we continue to stand with you in the wake of this tragedy, and we thank you for your support of our patients, their families and your colleagues as the case unfolds. 

Sincerely,

Paul B. Rothman, M.D.
Dean of the Medical Faculty
CEO, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Ronald R. Peterson
President
The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System
EVP, Johns Hopkins Medicine