Profession
Physician wins $20 million verdict in age discrimination case
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 15, 2005
A Lancaster, Calif., physician was awarded $20 million last month in an age discrimination case against the state's Dept. of Corrections.
Robert Johnson, MD, alleged he was forced to retire in 2001 from his position as chief physician and surgeon at California State Prison-Los Angeles County because of his age. He was 81 at the time he left his position.
Dr. Johnson alleged he was subjected to age discrimination, harassment and retaliation tactics, which prevented him from performing his clinical duties.
Todd Slosek, a spokesman for the Dept. of Corrections, said the department planned to appeal the verdict because of its "excessive nature."
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/08/15/prbf0815.htm.