Some of us are a little wary when it comes to a registry of any kind with regard to Joe Citizen, even if it's to keep track of him after he's been convicted of a crime. But what if the criminal's a doctor?
Dr. Clifford Berken of Stamford, Conn., who practices internal medicine and gastroenterology, pleaded guilty last year to charges brought by Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. The DA said Berken had lengthy sexual conversations with an undercover police officer posing as a young boy, and even arranged to meet the “boy” in White Plains, N.Y. When he arrived at their meeting point, he was arrested.
Berken was required to register as a sex offender in New York and Connecticut. Because of the conviction, Berken can never again practice medicine in New York, and Connecticut could choose to revoke his license. However, the Connecticut Medical Examining Board just voted to allow Berken to continue practicing medicine in Connecticut, citing the decision of two therapists who treated Berken and say he is fit to return.