Helena, Mont. — An oncologist at the center of a controversial investigation into his medical conduct has had his medical license permanently revoked by the state’s medical board. Dr. Thomas C. Weiner, age 62, is banned from practicing medicine in Montana following findings of malpractice involving several patients.
The Montana Board of Medical Examiners made its decision last week, citing seven documented cases of Weiner providing substandard care. The actions must now be reported to a federal database designed to track disciplinary actions against medical professionals, significantly complicating any future attempt by Weiner to regain his medical standing.
Weiner’s downfall follows a ProPublica investigation revealing a troubling history of allegations, including the misuse of chemotherapy on patients without cancer, neglect of those with serious illnesses, and overprescription of narcotics. The investigation, which relied on court documents and patient records, implicated him in the deaths of multiple patients, raising serious questions about his medical practices while employed at St. Peter’s Health, which is the primary hospital serving Helena.
Weiner has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He did not respond to requests for comments regarding the board’s action. St. Peter’s Health, which terminated his employment in 2020 for malpractice, has similarly refrained from commenting on the recent developments. The hospital has characterized Weiner as a rogue physician, asserting their commitment to high-quality patient care.
Following his dismissal from the hospital, Weiner sought legal recourse against St. Peter’s, claiming wrongful termination. However, the hospital ultimately prevailed in the case. Weiner has also initiated a defamation lawsuit against a former colleague who raised concerns about his medical practices.
In a significant note from the board’s ruling, Weiner acknowledged that he would not seek to practice medicine in Montana again, signalling an end to his medical career in the state. Prior to his dismissal, he was the highest-earning physician at St. Peter’s, earning millions over his career and maintaining considerable influence within the community. This power led to fears among colleagues, who often hesitated to question his decisions.
Among the many allegations against him, the case of Scot Warwick was pivotal. Diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer by Weiner in 2009, Warwick underwent aggressive treatments for over a decade, only for an autopsy to later reveal no evidence of the cancer that had driven his hospitalization. The autopsy indicated that chemotherapy, prescribed by Weiner, may have caused his death. The medical board confirmed these conclusions, further solidifying the case against Weiner.
Lisa Warwick, Scot’s widow, expressed relief at the board’s decision, noting the lengthy process that led to this outcome. She criticized the board for what she perceived as negligence in protecting patients during the years of investigation.
Documents submitted by St. Peter’s Health detail the issues surrounding Weiner’s management of patient care, indicating a pattern of behavior that made it challenging for other doctors to intervene or question his treatment. These allegations lingered for years as the medical board failed to address them until prompted by public scrutiny following the ProPublica investigation.
Weiner’s legal trouble extends beyond his medical license; he is currently facing a civil suit from the parents of a 16-year-old girl whose treatment he oversaw. Moreover, a separate criminal investigation by the Montana Department of Justice has been initiated into his practices, although he has yet to comment on these developments.
With his medical standing now in shambles, Weiner recently sold his home in Helena. The community remains split, with some advocating for his return and others firmly convinced of his misconduct. Among the supporters is Anthony Olson, a former patient who received extensive chemotherapy for a cancer that was never diagnosed. He expressed relief that further patients would not be placed at risk under Weiner’s care.