October 29, 1993
3801 Connecticut Avenue, NW
#136
Washington, DC 20008
John P. Hopkins
Executive Director
District of Columbia Board
Of Medicine
Room-LL
605 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Dear Mr. Hopkins:
On October 29, 1991 my employment was terminated by the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld [tel. no. (202) 887-4000], where I had been employed as a legal assistant (paralegal).
In an opinion issued September 24, 1993 the District of Columbia Department of Human Rights stated its determination that the termination was based on a legitimate reason, namely, that an investigation by the employer following my complaint of harassment to attorney managers disclosed that I suffered from serious emotional or psychological difficulties that rendered me not suitable for employment and potentially violent.
My employer’s determination that I suffered from serious psychological difficulties and that I was potentially violent was based, so Akin Gump claims, on a consultation that an Akin Gump manager had with Gertrude R. Ticho, M.D. I have never see Dr. Gertrude Ticho, a psychiatrist licensed to practice medicine in the District of Columbia, for a diagnostic evaluation.
In a written statement addressed to me date July 4, 1993, Dr. Ticho denies that she spoke with the Akin Gump manager who conducted an investigation into my fitness for employment, Dennis M. Race, and denies ever having seen me for a psychiatric evaluation.
Notwithstanding Dr. Ticho’s written denial a copy of which I forwarded to the D.C. Department of Human Rights (DOHR), DOHR determined that Dr. Ticho did in fact consult with an Akin Gump manager prior to my termination. DOHR determined that Dr. Ticho advised my former employer--without benefit of having seen me for an evaluation--that I had serious psychological problems and was potentially violent.
On October 22, 1993 I filed an appeal of DOHR’s determination with the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. I have advised Dr. Ticho that it is important that she file a motion to intervene in this proceedings, per D.C. Court of Appeals Rule 15(f), in order to formally disavow the DOHR’s determination. Dr. Ticho’s failure to intervene in the proceedings to formally deny the determination of the DOHR that she engaged in apparently unethical conduct could result in harm to Dr. Ticho’s professional standing and public reputation.
You may wish to review this matter with Dr. Ticho. Also, the District of Columbia Board of Medicine may wish to file a motion to intervene in the appeal on Dr. Ticho’s behalf. Dr. Ticho resides at 3120 Brandywine Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone no (202) 244-2113. A motion to intervene must be filed, if at all, within 30 days of October 22, 1993.
Enclosed for your information are copies of the following documents:
(a) DOHR determination dated June 30, 1993 stating that Dr. Ticho consulted with an Akin Gump manager immediately prior to my termination (see page 7, paragraph 6)
(b) Dr. Ticho’s letter dated July 4, 1993 denying having seen me for a diagnostic psychiatric evaluation and denying having consulted with Dennis M. Race of Akin Gump
(c) DOHR determination on reconsideration affirming prior finding that Dr. Ticho consulted with an Akin Gump manager (see page 8)
(d) my petition for review filed with the D.C. Court of Appeals on October 22, 1993
Sincerely,
Gary Freedman
Gertrude R. Ticho, M.D.
ReplyDelete3120 Brandywine Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
_____
Telephone: 202-244-2113
July 4, 1993
Dear Mr. Freedman,
When you called me on the morning of July 2, 1993 you asked me two questions, which I promised to answer in writing.
1.) I never met, nor have I ever spoken to a Mr. Dennis R. Rice [sic].
2.) I do not know your identity, Mr. Gary Freedman nor have I ever seen you for a diagnostic evaluation.
Sincerely,
Gertrude R. Ticho, M.D.
[Record on appeal at 62, Freedman v. D.C. Dept. Human Rights, D.C.C.A. 96-CV-961 (Sept. 1, 1998)]