Medical practitioner stripped bare in front of female patients at his family clinic: license suspended indefinitely.
In a landmark decision, the Arkansas State Medical Board has revoked the medical license of Dr. David Diffine for a period of five years, effective until 2030[1]. The revocation was the result of a disciplinary hearing held in early August 2025[1][2], following an extensive investigation into his inappropriate behavior at Diffine Family Practice in Blytheville.
The investigation, which began in 2019, uncovered several instances of Dr. Diffine's inappropriate behavior, including walking around naked in the hallway between patient rooms and performing a sexual act in the reception area[1]. The evidence presented in the case was based on videos obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request[1].
One of the videos showed Dr. Diffine performing a sexual act directly on a woman in the receptionist's office, which was in front of three women[1]. Another video showed him walking around naked in the reception area of his medical office[1]. The board's decision was based on a "preponderance of evidence" that he violated the Medical Practices Act[1].
The videos also reportedly showed Dr. Diffine performing a sexual act on an employee[1]. However, it was not specified which employee was involved in the incident. Another video showed a woman who was both a lab tech for another company and a patient of Dr. Diffine[1]. It is unclear whether she was a witness in the disciplinary hearing.
The suspension order refers to specific instances of sexual contact and harassment[1]. During the hearing, the board heard from Dr. Diffine, some of his former employees, and colleagues[1]. Despite Diffine denying walking around naked in front of clients during the investigation, he admitted to lying to the investigator[1].
The complaint against Dr. Diffine alleged sexual contact with staff and sexual harassment of the same individuals[1]. The board's decision to revoke Dr. Diffine's license was made unanimously[1].
[1] "Arkansas Medical Board Revokes License of Dr. David Diffine." KAIT 8 News, 5 Aug. 2025, web.kait8.com/2025/08/05/arkansas-medical-board-revokes-license-of-dr-david-diffine/. [2] "Arkansas Doctor's License Revoked for Inappropriate Behavior." Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 2025, www.arkansasonline.com/news/2025/aug/05/arkansas-doctors-license-revoked-for-inappropriate-behavior/.
- The inappropriate behavior of Dr. David Diffine, as seen in the obtained videos, extended beyond traditional medical-conditions, including sexual acts in his reception area, which undermines the principles of health-and-wellness and mental-health.
- Despite the focus on sexual-health issues stemming from his inappropriate behavior, it's crucial to remember that such actions can have profound effects on the overall well-being and mental health of those involved, affecting their lives beyond the physical realm.
