California Professional License Defense Blog

Dr. Hsiu-Ying "Lisa" Tseng, 42, of Rowland Heights pleaded not guilty to three counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of three young men in California. Tseng, is accused of prescribing narcotics and other addictive drugs in a reckless manner to the men over a period of time.

A judge found there was enough evidence to proceed to trial after a three week preliminary hearing. Tseng, has new attorneys on her defense team, defending against LA County's first prosecution of a physician for murder in a prescription drug. Prosecutors face challenges in that the victims all sought out prescription drugs for apparent medical issues.

Tseng, is being held in custody on $3 million bail.

Dr. Douglas Schaller of Tustin agreed to a settlement with the California Medical Board after being convicted of two DUI's in the past year and a half. Dr. Schaller was initially arrested by Laguna Beach Police Department in February 2011 while traveling on Highway 133. Motorists witnessed Shaller driving very slowly and swerving into the bike lane. LBPD officers initiated a traffic stop of Schaller and found prescription pill bottles containing controlled substances. Officers observed Shaller for a period of time and determined he was impaired for purposes of driving. A blood test showed Shaller had Hydroxyalprazolam and Alprazolam in his system. He plead guilty to a DUI in September 2011.

In November of 2011, Schaller was again arrested for suspicion of DUI and being under the influence of a controlled substance. In March 2012, he again pleaded guilty to a DUI and Health and Safety Code Section 11550(a), Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance.

As part of his stipulation with the Medical Board, Dr. Schaller is placed on probation for a period of 5 years, actual suspension from the practice of medicine for 60 days, partial restriction of his DEA license and other terms and conditions.

Physicians, like anybody can fall victim to substance abuse issues. The California Medical Board does not have funding to offer their diversion program anymore so many physicians with substance abuse issues fail to get the help they need. It usually isn't until they commit a criminal offense does the medical board find out about the substance abuse issue. If you or a loved one holds a California Medical License and suffers from addiction issues, it is important to seek help immediately. Our attorneys are familiar with many recovery programs that can help steer you in the right direction.

If on the other hand, you have already been arrested for a criminal offense, please call our office to speak to one of our attorneys. Our attorneys are former prosecutors who are intimately familiar with the criminal justice system and the players involved. In fact, our attorneys specialize in handling cases for physicians in criminal court and before the medical board.

Effective September 7, 2012, at 5 p.m., the license of ROBERT MICHAEL BITER, M.D. (A 77870), with an address of record in Encinitas, CA, was placed on seven years’ probation, with an actual suspension of 60 days from September 8, 2012 through November 6, 2012. Dr. Biter is prohibited from supervising physician assistants and from engaging in the practice of solo medicine.

Effective September 7, 2012, at 5 p.m., the license of JAMES WILLIAM BRODE, M.D. (G 27817), with an address of record in Sacramento, CA, was placed on three years’ probation and is prohibited from supervising physician assistants.

Effective September 7, 2012, at 5 p.m., the license of BERNARD DEBERRY, M.D. (A 29701), with an address of record in Irvine, CA, was issued a Public Reprimand.

Effective September 7, 2012, at 5 p.m., the license of RODRIGO DE ZUBIRIA, M.D. (A 70728), with an address of record in Atwater, CA, was placed on five years’ probation, with an actual suspension of 60 days from September 8, 2012 through November 6, 2012. Dr. De Zubiria is prohibited from supervising physician assistants and must have a third party chaperone present while consulting, examining, or treating female patients.

Effective September 7, 2012, at 5 p.m., the license of JOEL JOSELEVITZ (A 50950), with an address of record in Houston, TX, was surrendered.

Effective September 7, 2012, at 5 p.m., the license of ELMER REYMOND SYMONETT, M.D. (A 50238), with an address of record in Colton, CA, was placed on three years’ probation and is prohibited from supervising physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or any mid-level providers.

San Diego County Physician Suspended by the California Medical Board. Dr. Biter, a popular obstetrician was suspended by the medical board but will it end his career? This is what the North County Times wanted to know. Click on story below.

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