Florida doctor feeling the pain for patient's sadomasochistic therapy

Nov. 20 (UPI) -- The Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine accepted the apology of a Lake Worth doctor who allegedly used “punishment therapy" on a patient, but still plans on pursuing a full administrative hearing against him.

Dr. David Simon allegedly used blindfolds, whips and handcuffs on one of his female patients for hours under the guise that it would help with her ongoing depression. His sessions with the then 38-year-old patient were conducted after hours in his office.

Detectives investigating the claim discovered whips, blindfolds, handcuffs, rope, clothespins and "phallic objects" in Simon's office.

"During the visits Dr. Simon would blindfold her and have her take off all of her clothing. Dr. Simon referred to this as 'punishment therapy,'" according to detectives who investigated Simon in 2012.

As part of her monthly therapy sessions, the woman consented to engage in whippings, sexual acts and being locked in a closet and tied up for hours. According to the woman, she performed sexual acts on Simon as a "thank you.”

"He's deeply embarrassed," said Simon's attorney, David Spicer. "This was a consensual relationship with an adult woman. However, the Board of Health is clear that doctors can't have a sexual relationship with a patient. That's why we worked out the settlement."

The settlement includes a $10,000 fine and two years of probation, but the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine isn't content with that, and could revoke his license.

Separately, a 24-year-old patient reported Simon for sexual harassment in 2010. She told detectives from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office that Simon touched her back and the top of her buttocks after a gynecological exam. He then allegedly said, "'I think you need to be punished for being a bad girl. It seems you really need to be punished."

[WPBF]