A military doctor at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Maj. Michael Stockin, has admitted to sexually abusing numerous soldiers seeking pain management care at Madigan Army Medical Center. Stockin faced 52 charges related to abusive sexual contact with 41 victims. He pleaded guilty to 36 specifications of abusive sexual contact and five of indecent viewing, pending approval from the military judge.
The case, deemed the largest sexual abuse scandal in recent history by Protect Our Defenders, has sparked calls for a congressional review. Lawyers representing 22 of Stockin’s former patients have filed complaints against the U.S. Army and Department of Defense, alleging negligence in hiring and supervision. Each serviceman is seeking $5 million in damages for emotional distress.
Despite Stockin’s guilty plea, attorney Christine Dunn emphasized that accountability extends to the Army for allowing the abuse to occur. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, one of the largest U.S. Army bases, houses over 100,000 individuals, including active-duty personnel, family members, and civilian employees.
The Army initiated an investigation into Stockin in 2022 following multiple complaints, leading to his suspension from patient care. Charged with 52 counts in August 2023, Stockin reached a plea agreement in September 2024. The sentencing phase will feature impact statements from several victims, offering insights into the trauma inflicted by Stockin’s actions.
Four men have come forward with disturbing allegations of misconduct against a former doctor who worked at a clinic in a small town. These men claim that during routine medical exams, the doctor inappropriately touched their genitals without wearing gloves. They all expressed feeling uncomfortable and violated by the experience, stating that they had never encountered such behavior in a medical setting before.
“I do believe this directly led to exacerbating my drinking because I did not know how to cope with this trauma,” one of the men disclosed. He revealed that he resorted to heavy drinking as a way to cope with the distress caused by the doctor’s actions. Eventually, his drinking spiraled out of control, leading him to black out frequently. It was only after reaching a breaking point that he sought help and entered an outpatient rehabilitation program in order to overcome his addiction.
The other three men who came forward echoed similar sentiments, sharing their experiences of feeling violated and traumatized by the doctor’s inappropriate conduct during their medical exams. These revelations have brought to light the profound impact that such misconduct can have on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being.
The former doctor in question has since been removed from his position at the clinic and an investigation into the allegations has been launched. The authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the misconduct and ensure that justice is served for the victims.
In the wake of these troubling revelations, it is crucial for medical professionals to adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and prioritize the well-being and dignity of their patients. Any form of misconduct or abuse of power has no place in the medical field and must be met with swift and decisive action to protect patients and uphold the integrity of the profession.
