Insensitive Doctor Throws Tissue Box at Upset Patient Now on Probation

Talk about poor bedside manner. A doctor of practicing in Portland, Maine, is now on probation after throwing a box of tissues at a crying patient, according to the Bangor Daily News.

John Boothby, a neurologist, admitted to his "unprofessional conduct" and in addition to his probation and warning by the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine, he must also attend classes on medical ethics, boundaries and patient communication.

The complaint against Boothby was received in Dec. 2010 and subsequent investigation revealed "sufficient evidence" of Boothby's insensitivity. Maine Government News has more:

During the investigation Dr. Boothby admitted he might have told the patient to stop crying in an inappropriate way and that he may have been “emotional” in his discussion with the patient and his parent. Dr. Boothby also admitted he tossed the box of tissues onto the patient’s lap.

This was apparently not Dr. Boothby's first offense. It was reported that he was issued a Letter of Guidance in Oct. 2010 for a complaint filed against him of alleged rudeness to a patient.