Charleston Doctor’s License Suspended After S*xual Misconduct with Long-Term Patient

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — The South Carolina State Board of Medical Examiners has suspended the medical license of a Charleston physician following findings of sexual misconduct involving a long-term patient.

According to the board’s final order, Dr. Jeffrey George Schultze, who practices at Liberty Doctors on Folly Road, will have his license suspended for one year — though the suspension is immediately stayed, placing him on probation. He will also be required to have a chaperone present for all future patient interactions, undergo ongoing employer reporting, and pay $200 in investigative costs.

The disciplinary action stems from incidents spanning August 2021 through February 2022, during which a patient identified as Jane Doe accused Dr. Schultze of inappropriate conduct and unwanted sexual advances.

Patient Reported Multiple Incidents of Misconduct

According to the board’s findings, Jane Doe had been under Dr. Schultze’s care for approximately 15 years, seeking treatment for chronic pain, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. During that time, she reported three separate incidents in which Schultze allegedly requested to see or touch her breasts without any medical reason.

In her testimony, Doe said she complied with some of the doctor’s requests out of fear that refusing could jeopardize her pain management treatment. Dr. Schultze was reportedly one of the few physicians in the area providing her specialized care.

The third reported incident, which occurred in February 2022, escalated to more severe sexual acts. According to records, Doe recorded audio of the encounter, which was later turned over to investigators.

Police Found Acts Consensual, But Board Found Ethical Breach

The Charleston Police Department investigated the allegations but determined that the encounters were consensual, and no criminal charges were filed. However, the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation launched a separate professional review into Schultze’s conduct.

During that investigation, Dr. Schultze admitted to engaging in “consensual sexual activity” with the patient and acknowledged making non-medical requests to see her breasts.

Despite the absence of criminal charges, the state medical board ruled that the behavior constituted a serious violation of medical ethics and a breach of professional trust, particularly given the patient’s mental health vulnerabilities and long-term dependency on the physician for care.

Board Cites ‘Severe Breach of Trust’

The board emphasized that such actions — regardless of consent — violate the principles outlined by the American Medical Association (AMA) Code of Ethics, which strictly prohibits romantic or sexual interactions between physicians and patients due to the inherent imbalance of power and the potential for exploitation.

“Even if consensual in the legal sense,” the board wrote, “these actions represent a severe breach of the physician-patient relationship and compromise the integrity of the medical profession.”

Officials said the sanctions are meant not as punishment, but as a safeguard to protect the public and preserve patient confidence in medical providers.

Doctor to Remain on Probation Under Strict Oversight

Under the board’s order, Schultze’s probation includes mandatory supervision of all future patient visits, written reports from his employer, and compliance with state oversight regulations. Failure to adhere to these terms could result in a full revocation of his medical license.

The order also noted that Schultze’s actions violated the trust of a patient who was “emotionally and psychologically vulnerable” — circumstances that magnified the seriousness of the misconduct.

The board’s decision, finalized on October 7, 2025, concludes a nearly three-year investigation into Schultze’s professional conduct.

Public Reaction and Ethical Implications

The case has sparked renewed discussion among South Carolina medical professionals about boundaries in physician-patient relationships and the responsibility of medical institutions to ensure accountability.

Ethics experts note that while disciplinary actions like these are rare, they serve as a warning that medical professionalism extends beyond legality — especially in cases involving patients with long-term dependency on their physicians.

The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners reiterated that its primary mission is to “protect the life, health, and welfare of the people at large” by enforcing standards that maintain patient safety and trust in healthcare.

For more updates on professional conduct cases and state disciplinary actions, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.