SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — A New Jersey doctor's license has been suspended temporarily after two of his patients say he inappropriately touched them. Both accusers were patients at his practice for more than 20 years.
Attorney General Matt Platkin says Dr. Bruce Pierce, who practiced out of the Delaware Valley OBGYN & Princeton Midwifery in Lawrenceville, engaged in "professional misconduct, gross negligence and incompetence" with his patients. The State Board of Medical Examiners last month ordered Pierce to cease and desist from practicing medicine while an investigation into the accusations went forward.
According to that investigation, a woman referred to as "Patient 1" in the temporary suspension order visited Pierce in January 2023 for a routine examination. A chaperone was present. New Jersey state law requires patients be notified of their right to have a chaperone in the examination room.
Pierce dismissed the chaperone before requesting consent for another exam.
Officials say when she asked why another exam was necessary, he allegedly told her, "Sometimes things change as we get older," and that he wanted to "double-check things to be sure."
They say Pierce then proceeded to inappropriately touch the woman during the exam.
A second woman, referred to as "Patient 2" in the order, made an appointment to address pelvic pain. She canceled the appointment when the pain went away, but investigators say Pierce called and urged her to reschedule.
At the appointment, in December 2023, a lab technician performed an ultrasound on the patient. She was then taken to an examination room. When Pierce came into the room, investigators say, he asked her if she wanted a female chaperone during the exam, but the patient declined due to her trust in Pierce. She says he delivered her son.
During the exam, officials say, Pierce inappropriately touched the patient. She asked him to stop, and he obeyed.
Two hours later, according to investigators, Pierce called to apologize. Then, two days after that, the patient texted Pierce, expressing anger for his actions, saying she was in "a state of shock." They say Pierce replied, apologizing and thanking the patient for not making the matter public.
The attorney general says the Order of Temporary Suspension of License will stay in place until all proceedings are concluded.
