Dr. Katharine Roxanne Grawe, known as “Dr. Roxy” on TikTok, has been permanently banned from practicing medicine in Ohio after livestreaming surgical procedures on the platform. The Ohio Medical Board made the decision to revoke her medical license due to the harm caused to her patients. Here is an overview of the case:
A Disturbing Livestreaming Practice
Dr. Katharine Roxanne Grawe, who owns Roxy Plastic Surgery clinic in Powell, Ohio, is facing severe consequences for her actions on TikTok. She would livestream surgeries, interact with viewers, and answer questions, all while neglecting the well-being of her patients.
License Suspension and Permanent Revocation
Initially suspended in November, Grawe’s medical license has now been permanently revoked by the Ohio Medical Board. The board criticized her for disregarding patient care and prioritizing social media attention instead of fulfilling her ethical responsibilities.
Violations and Patient Complications
The medical board’s notice highlighted several concerns regarding Grawe’s actions. In addition to breaching patient privacy, three patients experienced severe complications after undergoing surgeries performed by Grawe. One patient suffered from a perforated intestine, bacterial infections, and loss of brain function caused by toxins in her blood, all of which were discovered after Grawe partially livestreamed the procedure.
Consequences of Unethical Practices
Dr. Roxy’s social media accounts, including TikTok and Instagram, have faced backlash and are currently set to private. It is worth noting that her Instagram account had gained over 118,000 followers before going private.
Appeal and Personal Impact
Grawe has 15 days to appeal the board’s decision. During the hearing, she accepted responsibility for falling short of expectations and acknowledged that her videos seemed unprofessional. Grawe also shared the personal toll the controversy had taken on her, including her husband leaving, her children being harassed at school, and having to let go of 20 clinic employees.
Repeated Warnings and Remedial Courses
The medical board had previously warned Grawe about patient privacy concerns in 2018 and 2021. She was instructed to attend courses on professionalism and ethics, which she claimed to have completed. However, Grawe continued to post videos of surgeries on social media, including Brazilian butt lifts, despite the warnings.
A Troubling Case of Ethics Breach
This case raises significant ethical concerns regarding the intersection of social media and medical practice. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing patient well-being and privacy over personal gain and online popularity.