Prostate Cancer Doc Practiced Without License: Cops

SARASOTA, FL — A Sarasota doctor whose license was revoked by the state in April faces criminal charges after police say he kept seeing patients. The arrest of Ronald Wheeler, 70, was announced Friday.

Wheeler, a urologist, had his medical license revoked by the Florida Department of Health on April 20 after that agency conducted an investigation into allegations from 2013. The investigation involved alleged medical malpractice related to a patient that was diagnosed with prostate cancer and recommended for treatment. Wheeler made the treatment recommendations without “first confirming through prostate biopsy results that the patient had prostate cancer,” the state’s disciplinary report said.

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Despite not having a license, Sarasota police say Wheeler kept seeing patients. On July 18, police executed a search warrant at Wheeler’s Diagnostic Center for Disease and his HIFU Centers of America offices located at 1819 Main St., in suites 401 and 402.

Officers also conducted an uncover investigation and paid Wheeler a visit, posing as patients. “Wheeler told them (undercover officers) the office visit was $3,455,” an email from the police department said. “In addition, Wheeler also discussed a treatment plan that started at $50,000.” Police said Wheeler never mentioned his license had been revoked.

The police department began investigating Wheeler’s alleged actions after the state received an anonymous complaint that he was still practicing medicine despite the removal of his license.

During the July 18 search of Wheeler’s offices, police seized patient files. These files have since been taken to the Sarasota Police Department. Any former patients of Wheeler who need copies of their records may call Det. Doug Vollmer at 941-954-7080 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to obtain them.

Anyone who saw Wheeler as a patient on or after April 20 is also asked to contact Vollmer.

Wheeler was charged with unlicensed practice of health care on Thursday. He was booked into the Sarasota County Jail and later released in lieu of $1,500 bond. Officials say additional charges are expected in the ongoing investigation.

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Photo courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department