Dr. Nathan Robert Starke tested positive for cocaine on Oct. 15, according to the Texas Medical Board.
HOUSTON — A Houston doctor was suspended after the Texas Medical Board determined that he was performing surgeries while under the influence of drugs.
Dr. Nathan Robert Starke was immediately suspended from Houston Methodist “after determining his continuation in the practice of medicine poses a continuing threat to public welfare.” The suspension is temporary, although the state medical board didn’t say how long it would last. The suspension will remain in place until the TMB board takes further action.
The medical board panel said Starke took part in several surgeries in August and September “while appearing impaired.”
Houston Methodist suspended Starke on Sept. 6.
On Oct. 15, he tested positive for cocaine, TMB said.
A temporary suspension hearing will be held when possible, TMB said.
According to the Houston Methodist website, Starke was a urologist. His bio page appeared to have been pulled down when KHOU 11 News checked on Tuesday.
We reached out to the hospital for a comment and are waiting to hear back.